American Red Cross Tissue Services Transfers to Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc.

WASHINGTON, Monday, November 15, 2004 — The American Red Cross, long recognized as a leader in tissue banking, has reached an agreement with the nation's largest tissue bank, Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc. (MTF), and will transfer the assets that were part of its tissue services program to MTF. MTF is a non-profit service organization that was founded in 1987. The transfer is expected to close by the end of January 2005, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions.

For decades, both organizations have demonstrated their commitment to tissue transplantation. The American Red Cross, with more than a 20-year history, has been diligent in its efforts to provide allograft tissue for transplant. MTF, with a more than 15-year history, is similarly diligent and will do so on behalf of all those in need of this life-saving and life-enhancing gift.

The American Red Cross recognizes its responsibility to the altruistic gift of tissue donation. As such, we must exercise all due diligence in ensuring that the gift is used to help others and that families who gave this gift are cared for. MTF shares this common goal and will continue to do so on behalf of all those who give the gift of tissue donation.

We appreciate all the fine work performed by the Red Cross Tissue Services staff and volunteers over the last twenty-two years. Their hard work and dedication have helped to make the difference for our donor families who have entrusted us with this most precious gift, as well as the patients who have received it.