Encourages all healthy donors to donate blood during this time of critical need
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 reiterated the safety of our nation’s blood supply as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officially declares Monkeypox a public health emergency. There have been no cases of this virus being transmitted via blood transfusion during this or prior outbreaks.
“Although Monkeypox continues to be a health emergency, our blood supply is safe and healthy donors continue to be needed nationwide. The FDA has not changed deferral criteria in response to this outbreak and there have been no cases of Monkeypox being transmitted through blood transfusions during this or previous outbreaks. Donors are required to be in good health at the time of their donation, and free from anything from COVID to the common cold. The summer months are a time of critical need for the blood industry as schools remain out of sessions and families travel for vacations. We encourage all health donors to visit their local blood center and do their part to ensure there’s blood on the shelf when it’s needed the most,” said Rita Reik, MD, FCAP, Chief Medical Officer of America’s Blood Centers.
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.
###