It’s great to see a company created by public servants partner with a group that employs the handicapped.

Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis (LHB), a not-for-profit manufacturing and packaging organization with a dedicated social service mission, announced today that it has won a contract from Phokus Research Group, LLC, a company based in San Diego, California, to package trauma bandages for the company’s innovative “Sons Trauma Kit”.

The ‘Sons Trauma Kit’ was originally designed by an active duty U.S. Navy SEAL medic. It has proven itself many times on the battlefield both in Iraq and Afghanistan during the last three years. Built for maximum efficiency, the Sons Trauma Kit eliminates bulky exterior medical pouches by fitting securely and comfortably behind an operator’s concealable body armor, or in hydration packs or sleeves. The trauma bandage being packaged by LHB is one of several life-saving medical products contained within the compact kit.

John Thompson, President of Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis, says, “LHB was chosen to package a trauma bandage within the ‘Sons Trauma Kit’ because of our extensive experience working with military and commercial medical kits. This is a specialty bandage that is used to stop internal and external bleeding. Normally, such bandages are very bulky and take up substantial space within a medical kit.

“The ‘Sons Trauma Kit’ is notable for its sleek design allowing it to fit flush against the body,” Thompson says. “LHB developed a way to package the bandage so its thickness is less than an inch. We do this by using a machine and heat sealer to remove the air without shriveling the package. LHB has forged a great business partnership with Phokus Research Group and we anticipate growing our business together,” Thompson continued. “This business relationship and others that we anticipate in the future represents opportunities for LHB to increase employment for people who are blind.”

“At LHB, our new business partnerships enable the organizations involved to produce and sell more products to increase their earnings, which leads to increased economic opportunities, while helping to provide meaningful work for people who are blind,” Thompson noted.

“More employers need to know that new technology has leveled the playing field for persons who are blind, making it possible for them to perform manufacturing and packaging jobs that sighted persons can do. Our commercial partnerships, and also partnerships with government and military customers, help enhance LHB’s social service programs that we offer in St. Louis and throughout Missouri for people who are blind, and strengthen the fabric of our communities and our regional economy,” Thompson asserts.

Terms of the Lighthouse contract with Phokus Research Group, LLC were not disclosed. Also known as LHB Industries, Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis is a non-profit entity that helps adults and children who are visually impaired maintain dignity and independence by offering Employment, Education and Support Services. Founded in 1933, The Lighthouse operates manufacturing and packaging plants in the cities of Berkeley and Overland in St. Louis County. LHB and its employees manufacture, assemble, warehouse and sell high-quality products to government and business customers nationwide including first aid kits, medical kits, catheters, aerosol and liquid paints, aerosol and liquid cleaning products, eco-friendly products and many others.

All sales revenues directly support Lighthouse programs including Professional Career Development; Special Technology and Adaptive Resources for Students (STARS); Summer Jobs for Students; Continuing Education; Arts & Entertainment Accessibility; Low Vision Aid; and others available for individuals who are legally blind and visually impaired in Missouri and Southwestern Illinois.