Blood Banking Community Issues National Appeal for Immediate DonationsAmerican Red Cross The nation's blood banks, represented by the American Association of Blood Banks, America's Blood Centers and the American Red Cross, are asking for immediate blood donations to boost already critically low blood supplies. This call to action comes at a time when blood is traditionally in short supply due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. National inventory levels have dropped well below a safe and adequate supply. Certain critical blood types are nearing depletion and in some areas of the country elective surgeries have been postponed or cancelled. The inventory continues to drop due to a number of contributing factors, including: holiday travel, breaks from school, extreme weather conditions in the West and a decline in sponsor-scheduled blood drives. Individuals are asked to support their local blood centers by making and keeping an appointment to donate immediately. If supplies are not replenished, surgeries will continue to be cancelled and patient care may be compromised.  "We are joining the blood banking community to emphasize the significance of the need to donate blood," said Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy G. Thompson. "The nation is facing critical shortages in communities across the country. If blood supplies do not immediately increase, patients, accident victims and those whose lives depend on regular transfusions, are at risk for not getting the blood they need. Every eligible individual should give blood, if not for themselves, for their friends, their loved ones or their neighbors." Eligible donors are asked to schedule appointments to donate blood now – and on a regular basis. To donate blood, one must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and meet other donor requirements. Those interested in donating blood are urged to contact the following organizations to find a local blood collection site and to schedule an appointment:
Every day blood is needed in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to save the lives of accident victims. Giving blood is easy, safe and takes less than one hour, but only about five percent of eligible Americans donate blood. Donations are critically needed, please act now. About the American Association of Blood Banks Established in 1947, the American Association of Blood Banks is an international association of blood banks, including hospital and community blood centers, transfusion and transplantation services and individuals involved in activities related to transfusion and transplantation medicine. The AABB supports high standards of medical, technical and administrative performance, scientific investigation, clinical application and education. It is dedicated to encouraging the voluntary donation of blood and other tissues and organs through education, public information and research. AABB member facilities are responsible for collecting virtually all of the nation's blood supply and transfusing more than 80 percent. Approximately 2,000 institutions (community and hospital blood banks, hospital transfusion services and laboratories) and 8,000 individuals are members of the AABB, including physicians, scientists, administrators, medical technologists, blood donor recruiters and public relations personnel. Members are located in all 50 states and 80 foreign countries. About America's Blood Centers Founded in 1962, America's Blood Centers is North America's largest network of non-profit, community blood centers. Seventy-six blood centers operate more than 500 collection sites in 45 U.S. states and Quebec, Canada, and provide nearly half of the U.S., and nearly one-quarter of Canada's volunteer donor blood supply. These centers serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,300 hospitals. ABC members are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. Currently operating on a budget of $2.7 billion, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters nationwide. The American Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply to patients in more than 3,000 hospitals nationwide. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE today to schedule your lifesaving donation or to sponsor a blood drive.
For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org |
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