SIGNIFICANT BLOOD SHORTAGES HAVE STRAINED THE NATIONAL SUPPLY, LEAVING MANY PARTS OF THE COUNTRY WITH LESS THAN A ONE-DAY SUPPLY American Association of Blood Banks, America's Blood Centers, American Red Cross thank HHS Secretary Thompson for promoting critical need for blood donations National Headquarters 430 17th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 www.redcross.org Contact: Michelle Hudgins Phone: (703) 312-5643 HudginsM@usa.redcross.org WASHINGTON, January 14, 2003 — The blood banking community today applauded efforts by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy Thompson to promote blood donations and combat dwindling national blood supplies. In an effort to further spur blood donations, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), America's Blood Centers (ABC) and the American Red Cross have issued a united, immediate call for blood donations. The appeal comes in the face of increasingly significant blood shortages that have strained the national supply and left parts of the country with less than a one-day supply. Optimal levels are a seven-day supply. More than 60 percent of the community blood centers represented by America's Blood Centers have reported inventories of two days or less of Type O red blood cells. During the past two weeks, Red Cross blood inventories have dropped roughly 50 percent and nearly two-thirds of American Red Cross regions have issued some form of local emergency media appeal for increased donations. “Every day in our country, blood is required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities to save the lives of accident victims, patients with cancer and other diseases, as well as those undergoing routine surgeries,” said Karen Shoos Lipton, AABB's chief executive officer. “Our goal is to ensure that blood is available to patients whenever and wherever it is needed because it is the blood on the shelves that saves lives.” January is traditionally a time of year when blood is in short supply due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. This year's post-holiday shortages have been compounded by winter storms that have crippled collections in some areas, causing some postponements of elective surgeries. The blood banking community is asking that all eligible donors make an appointment to give blood today and every two months to help shore up supplies and ensure an adequate supply to meet patients' needs throughout the year. Donors can give blood every 56 days, or six times a year. In general, donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds to be eligible to give. Those interested in donating blood may call one of the following numbers for more information and to find out where they can schedule an appointment to donate: American Association of Blood Banks 1-866-FROM-YOU (1-866-376-6968); www.aabb.org America's Blood Centers 1-888-USBLOOD (1-888-872-5663); www.americasblood.org American Red Cross 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543); www.redcross.org About AABB 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 ABC Founded in 1962, America's Blood Centers is North America's largest federation of non-profit, community blood centers. More than 450 ABC centers operate in 46 states, and the Canadian province of Quebec, and provide more than half of the U.S., and nearly one-quarter of Canada's volunteer donor blood supply. These centers serve more than 140 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 3,000 hospitals nationwide. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE today to schedule your lifesaving donation or to sponsor a blood drive. © Copyright 2002 The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.        CONTACT US  |  SITE DIRECTORY  |  PRIVACY POLICY