Every state presents its own advocacy challenges, and opportunities. To support our members navigating this complex landscape, ABC has developed a wide range of advocacy resources tailored for state-level engagements. These tools are designed to complement members’ existing efforts, strengthen legislative relationships, and provide practical support grounded in the collective experience of ABC’s nationwide network.
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen ABC’s advocacy work at the state level through the ABC Council of States, we are excited to highlight this robust set of advocacy resources available to all ABC members. These materials are not intended to function as a rigid advocacy checklist, but rather as a menu of policy options, tools, and guidance that members can tailor to the specific legislative activity and priorities within their states. This flexibility allows blood centers to build strong, meaningful relationships with state lawmakers by focusing on the issues that resonate most locally. In doing so, members can engage more effectively and position themselves as trusted resources on policies impacting the blood community.
Building on its current momentum, the Council of States identified two new priority issues for this year’s advocacy toolkits: expanding blood education and leave to donate policies. Over the coming year, ABC will provide toolkits on these issues as well as training and member discussions through the Council of States meetings to support blood center state advocacy activities. These toolkits will help members advance policies in their state that educate students about blood donation and help remove workplace barriers that can prevent individuals from donating blood. By focusing on these issues, the Council of States continues to expand the menu of policy options and tools that blood centers can use to advocate within their states.
All ABC members have access to targeted state advocacy resources through Collaborate, including issue-specific toolkits developed in support of the advocacy priorities identified by the Council of States. Last year, ABC provided a toolkit focused on securing state resolutions recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month, in addition to a toolkit containing resources on state based-efforts relating to prehospital blood transfusions. These resources, through the dedicated efforts of members of the ABC Council of states, supported significant advocacy success. In the case of National Blood Donor Month, coordinated efforts by Council members helped expand state recognition from a single resolution introduction and passage to twelve states formally recognizing the observance. These initiatives not only raise awareness but also serve as important relationship-building opportunities that help cultivate legislative champions for the blood supply.
ABC continues to also support members with general resources and training on advocacy. Members have access to the State Advocacy Handbook, which outlines best practices for advocating at the state level. The handbook provides guidance on engaging with state legislators, tracking state legislation, and working effectively with state lobbyists. Because each state legislature has its own distinct structures, rules, and legislative processes, understanding, or partnering with someone who understands those differences is critical to effective advocacy by the Council of States.
Finally, one of the Council’s greatest strengths is the shared experience of ABC members. Blood centers are rarely navigating policy challenges alone. Often, other members in the same or neighboring states have faced similar issues. The ABC Council of States, both in meetings and on the Collaborate group, provides a network to allow members to learn from one another, share effective strategies, and, when appropriate, pool resources. ABC staff are always available to help members identify applicable tools, connect with peers, and navigate policy discussions as advocacy opportunities arise at the state level.
Together, the ABC Council of States, along with these resources, empower blood centers to advocate strategically, collaboratively, and confidently on behalf of the blood community.