Encourages all eligible individuals to contact their local community blood center and make an appointment to donate
Washington, DC – America’s Blood Centers, the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply, today thanked America’s more than 7 million annual blood donors as countries around the globe prepare to mark World Blood Donor Day tomorrow, June 14th. This annual day raises awareness of the ongoing need for a safe and available blood supply and recognizes individuals who voluntarily save lives through blood donation. The summer months traditionally lead to a decrease in donations due to travel and the lack of school-based drives, so all eligible individuals interested in giving blood are encouraged to contact their local community blood center and make an appointment.
America’s Blood Centers continues to advocate for public policy that promotes the value of blood to patients, communities, and the healthcare system as part of its Advocacy Agenda. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently made donor deferral changes that impact hundreds of thousands of individuals who were previously unable to donate blood. This includes many veterans and their families previously indefinitely deferred for geographic risk of exposure to Mad Cow Disease and gay and bisexual men through updated guidance implementing an individual donor assessment for all donors.
To reach as many impacted donors as possible, America’s Blood Centers has asked Congress to provide targeted federal funding that can be used locally by blood centers to amplify their education and awareness efforts.
“Blood donors are true heroes whose generosity saves countless lives. From family members to friends to neighbors, we all know someone whose life has been forever changed by a lifesaving blood transfusion. As countries around the world mark World Blood Donor Day, we thank the more than 7 million Americans who selflessly donate every year and encourage policymakers at all levels to make blood donation a national priority,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers.
Algeria is the host of this year’s global event through its National Blood Transfusion Service, and the theme is “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.” More information and resources can be found online through the World Health Organization here.
ABC has released a first of its kind guide highlights that although a blood transfusion is needed every two seconds in the United States, just three percent of the U.S. population donates blood each year. A single donation can help two or more patients in need, and each donation can be separated into more than one blood product, including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
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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