America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is North America’s largest network of non-profit community blood centers, who collectively provide over half of the blood supply in the United States, operate more than 600 blood donation sites, produce over 12 million units of whole blood and blood components, and support over 3,500 hospitals and health care facilities. We appreciate the Committee examining the response to the 2017 hurricane season and the need to continually evaluate our nation’s preparedness and response activities. Through extensive planning and collaboration, the blood community responded swiftly and effectively to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Additional action is needed however to prioritize and coordinate the need for blood products in federal, state, and local emergency planning efforts.
