Will champion community blood centers’ role in advancing cell and gene, blood therapies that enhance patient care
Washington, DC and Wyoming, MAY 7, 2025 – 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 that it has joined the Blood and Cells Advocacy Roster (BCAR). BCAR is an industry collaboration between blood and tissue collection networks, related technology providers, biotherapy communities, and other stakeholders that communicates the importance of blood and increasing patient access to life-saving blood and advanced therapies. ABC will champion community blood centers’ vital role in making advanced therapies that enhance patient care.
“Blood products are not just lifesaving in their own right; they are the foundation on which many of today’s most groundbreaking advanced therapies are built. Community blood centers are helping lead the way in this new era of innovation by providing the raw materials necessary to find the next big medical breakthrough. America’s Blood Centers is proud to join the Blood and Cells Advocacy Roster to help underscore the work of community blood centers and blood products in helping develop life-saving medicines for patients in need,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers.
“BCAR now represents the majority of America’s blood centers with the addition of ABC, alongside a mix of other stakeholders and thought leaders helping to amplify the capabilities of our industry as a means to accelerate the growth of blood-based therapies,” said, Michelle Boxall, Founder, BCAR. “We are positioned now for effective international growth, helping us incorporate more of the industry’s leading voices as we strive to address bottlenecks that are today throttling patient access.”
BCAR was established in 2024 as an international, collaborative body uniquely positioned to drive the narrative on the importance of the established blood industry, and in particular, its capabilities to help improve patient access to often-curative, one-dose advanced therapies. The industry has the infrastructure, experience, and know-how to quickly help bring these therapies outside of major cities and a handful of specialized hospitals.
Community blood centers supply nearly 60% of the U.S. and 25% of Canada’s blood supply, with over 700 donor facilities serving more than 1,100 communities. They are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the growth of advanced therapies. By leveraging their extensive expertise, many centers are now providing the specialized blood products necessary for cellular therapies, ensuring patients nationwide have access to groundbreaking medical innovations.
About America’s Blood Centers (ABC)
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers across North America. These organizations operate in more than 1,100 communities and provide close to 60 percent of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply. ABC member organizations serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. All ABC U.S. members are 501(c)(3) organizations licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. For more information, visit www.AmericasBlood.org.
About Blood and Cells Advocacy Roster (BCAR)
The Blood and Cells Advocacy Roster (BCAR) is an industry collaboration between blood and tissue collection networks, related technology providers, biotherapy communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in driving the narrative on the importance of blood and increasing patient access to life-saving blood and advanced therapies. The steering committee includes members from America’s Blood Centers (ABC), Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), BioBridge Global, Blood Centers of America (BCA), OrganaBio, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, and Vitalant.
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