Blood Services

Having provided comfort and aid to those in need since 1881, the Red Cross quickly adopted Blood Services as a fundamental part of its humanitarian mission.

Started as a war relief effort to provide life-saving blood for soldiers during World War II, Red Cross Blood Services has grown to become an industry leader — collecting and distributing half the nation's blood supply.

All the technology and science, however, is only made possible by one simple selfless act: An average person takes time out of his busy schedule to give a piece of himself so that someone he will never know has a chance to live. This incredible act of kindness, that allows a stranger to celebrate another birthday, give birth to a child, or share another Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, is at the heart of what we do.

Since establishing the first civilian blood service after World War II, the American Red Cross has been a leader in blood collection, safety and development. Today, the safety and availability of the blood supply is our highest priority. And our national research center, the Jerome H. Holland Laboratory, is one of the foremost blood research facilities in the world.

"Who do I call a hero? Someone who donates blood." 11-year old soccer goalie who needs regular blood transfusions to stay alive.

Today's Red Cross blood program is the legacy of Dr. Charles Drew, a hematologist, surgeon, educator and scientist whose pioneering work in blood collection, plasma processing and transfusion therapy laid the foundation for modern blood banking.

To all the volunteer blood donors, we thank you on behalf of the lives of those patients you have saved, and all their grateful loved ones. You are the true definition of a hero.