The nation’s blood supply is currently strained and eligible individuals are asked to donate blood or platelets to ensure an adequate supply is available to meet patients’ needs. The most-needed blood products at this time are platelets, O-positive blood and O-negative blood.
Current reports from the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism indicate that the blood supply in the United States is lower than it should be and trending downward at concerning levels. In fact, many blood collection organizations have faced, or are currently facing, a critical shortage this summer. This has been further impacted by recent disruptions in blood collections in the Southeast United States, including the landfall of Tropical Storm Debby into Florida’s west coast. The storm is expected to impact Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, and further exacerbate the current challenges with the blood supply.
The blood community strongly urges eligible individuals throughout the United States to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible. Doing so will help build a stable and adequate supply of blood and platelets, which can help save lives and ensure patient needs continue to be met.
Blood has a limited shelf life and the blood supply must continually be replenished. If the blood supply is not replenished, the country faces the risk of not having blood available for all patients who rely on it for optimal health care.
“We are asking potential donors – both regular and first-time donors – to make a commitment to donate blood or platelets at this time,” said John Hagins, chair of the Task Force. “Donating now, or making an appointment to donate soon, will help to ensure that sufficient blood is available for all patients who need it.”
Please contact one of the following organizations to schedule an appointment today:
AABB: www.WhereToDonateBlood.org; +1.301.907.6977
America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org; +1.202.393.5725
American Red Cross: www.RedCrossBlood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)
About the Task Force
The AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism was formed in January 2002 to help make certain that blood collection efforts resulting from domestic disasters and acts of terrorism are managed properly and to deliver clear and consistent messages to the public regarding the status of America’s blood supply. The Task Force is composed of representatives from U.S. blood services, associations and commercial entities, as well as liaisons from governmental agencies, who work together in an effort to ensure that safe and adequate blood product inventories are in place at all times in preparation for disasters. In addition, the Task Force operates as a mechanism to assess the need for collections and/or transportation of blood should a disaster occur.
AABB serves as the designated coordinating entity for the Task Force. In addition to AABB, members include AdvaMed, America’s Blood Centers, American Hospital Association, American Red Cross, Blood Centers of America, College of American Pathologists, National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match and the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association. Liaisons from the following government agencies also participate in Task Force discussions: Armed Services Blood Program and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.