Celebrate the Significance of Minority Donors

National Minority Donor Awareness Day, celebrated August 1st, shines a spotlight on blood donors from diverse communities. It's a call to action to diverse the blood supply and ensure equitable access to blood products for all patients.

The Vital Role of Diverse Blood Donors in Saving Lives

Embracing diversity in blood donation helps address disparities in healthcare and promotes inclusivity in the healthcare system. Diverse donors are crucial in ensuring the availability of blood that is closely matched to the ethnic backgrounds of patients with conditions like Sickle Cell disease and thalassemia. By diversifying the donor base to include more individuals from various backgrounds, we increase the likelihood of finding compatible blood for those in need, ultimately saving lives and improving patient outcomes.

Learn Why We Need a Blood Supply That's As Diverse As The Nation That Depends On It

Congress

Our Advocacy Work

ABC is championing policies that promote equitable access to blood products while growing and diversifying the blood donor base to ensure patient needs are met.

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Discover the Reality of Blood Donation in America

Download the definitive guide to U.S. blood donation and public messaging, where you can explore over 40 verified statistics that offer crucial insights into America's blood supply and its donors. This guide is designed to provide the latest look at the state of blood donations, utilizing data from rigorously researched sources and expert input.

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2024 blood donation statistics

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Safety of the Blood Supply (1)

Donor Diversity & Patient Care

Learn why expanding donor diversity is critical to patient care as well as ABC’s work asking Congress to support blood centers’ efforts to reach young and diverse blood donors, ensuring current and future patient needs are met.

Safety of the Blood Supply

Safety of the Blood Supply

Learn why ensuring the safety of the nation’s blood supply is the top priority for America’s Blood Centers and the entire blood community.

 

Trends impacting

Trends Impacting the Blood Supply

Learn about current trends impacting the nation’s blood supply, as well as ABC’s efforts working with the Administration, Congress, and industry stakeholders to promote the value of blood and strengthen and diversify our nation’s donor base.

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More from Our Partners

America's Blood Centers partners with a diverse range of national organizations to strengthen the nation's blood supply and support the work of ABC members.

Below are resources from some of our key partners to help support your efforts during this critical month.

Be a Social Advocate

With your help, we can reach more potential donors and ensure there’s blood on the shelf when it’s needed the most. Spread the word online today using these resources provided by ADRP: The Association of Blood Donor Professionals.

General Blood Donation Toolkit (1)

The Importance of Blood Donation

ADRP Sickle Cell Awareness Month Toolkit (1)

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Sickle Cell Awareness Toolkit (1)

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day

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Take Action

The need for action on this issue is urgent and compelling. Here's why Congress must act now:

  • Lives are at stake: Patients with conditions like Sickle Cell Disease depend on closely matched blood for their survival and quality of life.
  • Current system is inadequate: The existing blood supply doesn't reflect the diversity of the U.S. population, leaving many patients vulnerable.
  • Financial constraints: Many blood centers can't afford comprehensive antigen testing without support, limiting the availability of matched blood.
  • Availability of blood products: Expanding the donor base is crucial for ensuring all communities have access to appropriate blood products.
  • Time is of the essence: Every day we delay, patients may not receive the optimal blood match they need.