Key Takeaways
- The AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism urges blood donations to address a concerning drop in the U.S. blood supply.
- Blood centers face shortages, risking availability for patients in need, particularly in certain regions.
- Eligible individuals should schedule blood donation appointments soon to help rebuild the blood supply.
- The appeal follows previous statements from ABC, AABB, and the American Red Cross about the urgent need for donations.
The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism, which America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is a part of, has published a July 24th statement explaining that blood donations are currently needed to reverse a downward trend. Specifically, the statement noted that, “[f]ollowing weeks of declines in blood donations, the blood supply in the United States is significantly lower than it should be and is trending downward at a concerning pace. Blood centers throughout the country face the risk of not having blood available for every patient when it is needed. The reduced supply is more pronounced in certain regions of the country and among certain blood collectors, which is already impacting the availability of blood for some patients.”
The Task Force urged eligible individuals to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood as soon as possible, “[t]o help rebuild the blood supply and ensure blood products are available for all patients.” John Hagins, chair of the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism and president and chief executive officer of The Community Blood Center, added in the statement, “[w]e are asking all potential donors — both regular and first-time donors — to make a commitment to donate blood in the coming days and weeks. Donating now, or making an appointment to donate soon, will help ensure that all patients throughout the country have access to the care they need.”
The recent communication from the Task Force comes in the wake of July 10th joint statement from ABC, AABB, and the American Red Cross in which the national blood community noted that, “[t]he nation’s blood supply is currently strained, and eligible individuals are asked to donate blood or platelets to ensure an adequate supply is available to meet patients’ needs. [The blood community] strongly urges eligible individuals throughout the U.S. to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible. Doing so will help build a stable and adequate blood supply, which saves lives and ensures patient needs are met.”