Receive inaugural Congressional Champions Award during Blood Advocacy Week
Washington, DC – America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply, today announced the inaugural winners of its Congressional Champions Awards are Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA). This recognition, a cornerstone of ABC’s Act for Blood Program, honors legislators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting the U.S. blood supply and advocating for community blood centers and blood donation. This recognition is being given as part of Blood Advocacy Week, an annual initiative led by ABC that unites more than 100 stakeholders to advocate for policies that highlight the importance of blood for patients, communities, and the healthcare system.
“America’s Blood Centers is proud to recognize Senator Murray and Congresswoman Miller-Meeks as our inaugural Congressional Champions. Their unwavering support for America’s community blood centers and their dedication to ensuring a safe and strong blood supply exemplifies extraordinary leadership,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers. “We look forward to continuing our work with these Members of Congress and building more champions to help address the challenges facing our blood supply and promote the importance of blood donation across the country.”
“It is an honor to be recognized as an inaugural Congressional Champion by America’s Blood Centers. As a physician and public health advocate, I understand just how critical blood donation is to saving lives across Iowa and the nation. I am proud to support policies that strengthen our blood supply, empower community health providers, and ensure patients receive the care they need, when they need it,” said Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.
ABC member Bloodworks Northwest nominated Senator Murray for this award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to public health and unwavering advocacy for blood donation. Throughout her career, Senator Murray has consistently championed the critical role of blood donation in saving lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, she worked tirelessly to support America’s community blood centers and ensure a stable blood supply. Senator Murray’s efforts demonstrate her commitment to supporting others and empowering individuals to contribute, aligning with the principles of blood donation and the mission of blood centers nationwide.
Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, nominated by ABC member ImpactLife, has been a vocal and dedicated advocate for blood donation. Her efforts include touring blood centers to gain firsthand knowledge of the logistical challenges involved in collecting, processing, and distributing blood products; addressing hurdles in donor eligibility guidelines, and participating in public service announcements, both individually and with fellow members of the GOP Doctors Caucus. In these messages, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has encouraged Americans to donate blood and raised awareness about the critical need for a strong blood supply.
ABC’s Act for Blood Program aims to educate lawmakers about the importance of blood donation, advocate for policies that support community blood centers and America’s blood donors and recognize those leaders who champion these national priorities. For more information about the Act for Blood Program or to get involved, click here.
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers. Its member organizations operate more than 600 blood collection sites providing close to 60 percent of the U.S., and a quarter of the Canadian, blood supply. These blood centers serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities across North America. All ABC U.S. members are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.AmericasBlood.org.
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