America's blood supply faces ongoing challenges that require coordinated action from all those impacted by blood, from blood centers and donors to hospitals and patients to policymakers and beyond. To address this, America's Blood Centers’ "Act for Blood" grassroots program is designed to advance policies that support a strong and diverse blood supply. This initiative equips stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to effect meaningful change at both the state and federal levels. Here are ways to get involved:
Advocacy Summit
Our two-day Advocacy Summit equips community blood centers, partners, and local stakeholders with policy insights and engagement techniques designed to transform participants into powerful advocates for a strong blood supply. This event also prepares advocates for our annual Hill Day, where representatives from community blood centers and our partners will then meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for key policy priorities.
Congressional Champions Program
The Congressional Champions Program serves as a strategic initiative to acknowledge legislative support for a strong blood supply. This program identifies and honors members of Congress who demonstrate exceptional commitment to blood advocacy through their policy efforts and public engagement. By recognizing these champions, we not only express appreciation for their dedication but also establish a benchmark for congressional involvement in this critical healthcare issue.
Site Visit Program
The site visit program facilitates direct engagement between community blood centers, local stakeholders, and policymakers. By hosting legislators at community blood centers, the Act for Blood program provides firsthand exposure to the vital work of blood collection and distribution, fostering a deeper understanding among key decision-makers of the challenges and opportunities facing community blood centers.
Federal Advocacy Network
Our network of point persons within each member blood center are trained and ready to communicate effectively with members of Congress and their staff. These dedicated advocates ensure that the voice of the blood community is heard consistently on Capitol Hill, addressing federal policies that impact the blood supply.
Council of States
Our Council of States serves as a nerve center for state-level advocacy efforts. Through this network, we track relevant legislation across all 50 states, fostering proactive, coordinated action and rapid response when needed. Our state contacts serve as on-the-ground local experts, providing community context and building relationships with state legislators.
Blood Advocacy Week
Our annual Blood Advocacy Week engages more than 80 external national partners, including hospitals, patient groups, and community organizations, around events designed to amplify our message and demonstrate the broad coalition supporting a strong blood supply. This includes our Advocacy Summit, where representatives from community blood centers and our partners meet face-to-face with their members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for key policy priorities.
Grassroots Action Center
The grassroots Action Center is a digital hub empowering advocates to send pre-written or customized messages to policymakers on pressing blood-related issues with just a few clicks, share videos on blood donation with their social networks, and emphasize the critical importance of blood donors during upcoming recognition events through our ready-made resources.
Join the Movement
The strength of Act for Blood lies in its grassroots nature. Every voice matters in the fight for a strong blood supply. Whether you're a blood center professional, a dedicated donor, or a concerned citizen, there's a role for you in this initiative.
To get involved with the Act for Blood program, contact us today. Together, we can ensure that life-saving blood is available whenever and wherever it's needed.