America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is set to kick off the inaugural Blood Advocacy Week April 24th-28th. This initiative reinforces ABC’s commitment to advocacy and advancing policies that assist community blood centers. This virtual event aims to bring together members of the blood community, legislators, agency decision makers, advocates, providers, patients, and more to learn about and advance ABC’s advocacy efforts on behalf of member blood centers. It includes the following:
- Monday, April 24th will be dedicated to discussing the current status of the nation’s blood supply and trends impacting the collection and utilization of blood;
- Tuesday, April 25th will be dedicated to promoting the awareness of FDA donor eligibility changes impacting veterans and gay and bisexual men;
- Wednesday, April 26th will be ABC’s virtual “Day on Capitol Hill.” Registration is now open.
- Thursday, April 27th will be dedicated to examining changes that will expand early and increased access to blood, including in pre-hospital and hospice settings;
- Friday, April 28th will be dedicated to highlighting why increased diversity – racial, ethnic, and age – is important to patient care.
Additional updates will be provided in the coming weeks. If you or your organization is interested in becoming an official advocacy partner, please contact Jeff Gohringer, director of Strategic Communications and National Partnerships at ABC.
ABC also encourages all member blood centers to register for the 2023 “Day on Capitol Hill” on April 26th. This “virtual” day provides an opportunity for member blood centers to connect with members of Congress and their staffs to discuss the ongoing work at the blood center and the work done collectively by ABC and community blood centers to advance the ABC Advocacy Agenda. This event is a chance for individuals to let their voice be heard as ABC will arrange the virtual meetings for member blood centers with their members of Congress and provide additional resources to help inform them and their staff about the latest policies impacting the blood community. Take advantage of this opportunity to easily meet with your local Congressional leaders and build relationships. Each person from the blood center who would like to participate in the “Day on Capitol Hill” must register individually. ABC will arrange for group meetings but will need information for each person in attendance. Additional details, including the 2023 Advocacy Agenda, will be forthcoming. Please direct any questions to ABC Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs Diane Calmus, JD.