Ensuring the safety of the nation’s blood supply is the top priority for community blood centers and the entire blood community. Multiple layers of safety are in place to protect those who rely on blood transfusions. This includes donor education, a comprehensive donor health questionnaire, rigorous infectious disease testing protocols, and collaboration with national surveillance programs. Tick and mosquito-borne diseases impact millions of Americans each year. While not a common occurrence, some tick and mosquito borne diseases can be transmitted through blood transfusions. Given this, blood centers have targeted interventions to ensure the safety of the blood supply. Donors, too, play a role in maintaining a safe blood supply. Individuals should donate blood if they are healthy and feeling well. Individuals should contact their local blood center for additional information about eligibility requirements in their local areas.
