The development of ABC’s 2026 Advocacy Agenda is officially underway, and ABC is encouraging all ABC members to voice your opinions through our 2026 ABC Advocacy Agenda Survey by December 5th. Each year, ABC updates its Advocacy Agenda to reflect the federal legislative and regulatory issues most critical to blood centers across the country. This process ensures that our priorities remain relevant, actionable, and aligned with the evolving needs of the blood community.
As we begin shaping our 2026 Advocacy Agenda, we invite you to contribute your insights and expertise. Your input will inform upcoming discussions with the ABC Policy Council and Board of Directors and help us to identify the issues that matter most.
What Makes it onto the Advocacy Agenda?
The ABC Advocacy Agenda focuses on issues that:
- Have a clear federal legislative or regulatory solution.
- Directly impact the operations, sustainability, and safety of blood centers.
- Require national-level attention and advocacy.
While some challenges, such as utilization practices that disproportionately rely on type O donors, are deeply important, they fall outside the scope of federal policy and are therefore not included in the agenda.
ABC members, please share your perspectives on what should be prioritized in 2026 by completing the survey. While the survey itself is only for ABC members, we welcome input from non-members interested in the blood supply. Non-members can reach out to Diane Calmus, Vice President, Government affairs at dcalmus@americasblood.org to provide any feedback.
Building on Progress
The 2026 Advocacy Agenda will build upon the momentum of previous years. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and partners who helped advance the policy goals outlined in our 2025 Advocacy Agenda, and laid the groundwork for continued success. This year, we have seen many exciting successes for blood centers, including the elimination of the FDA final rule on Lab Developed Tests, FDA’s draft guidance on the elimination of the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test, and the introduction of bills in Congress to modernize the licensure process, include coverage for palliative blood transfusions for hospice patients, and expand the availability of blood on ambulances, to name just a few.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Together, we can ensure the voice of blood centers is heard loud and clear in Washington.