Since World War II, the American Red Cross, an innovator and a leader in transfusion medicine and research, has provided generations of Americans with blood products that are safe and reliable. Below are features from our proud history as America's leader in collecting blood to save lives.

"In order to help meet a growing post-war need, which would be multiplied in the event of a national emergency, this agency has inaugurated a national blood program intended to ensure eventually the availability of lifesaving blood to the entire nation." --President Harry S Truman, 1949 Red Cross Month Proclamation

Donating Blood in World War II Poster Slide Show
http://www.redcross.org/museum/exhibits/posters_blood.asp

Cartoonist Mort Walker's popular comic strip Beetle Bailey helped to promote blood donation.