Welcome to the Jerome H. Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical Sciences. This is where American Red Cross researchers learn about blood, and how they can help people who are sick or hurt. The American Red Cross research program started in 1961 and has studied many important things since then, like blood chemistry, growth and repair of blood vessels, hemophilia (thin blood), HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis, medical supplies, and how bones heal.

For more than 40 years, American Red Cross scientists have been studying blood, blood cells and circulatory system and investigating ways to improve transfusion technology and the safety of the blood supply. In addition to studying the genes and proteins relevant to blood, scientists at the Red Cross Jerome H. Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical Sciences, in Rockville, Md., also investigate the role of the circulatory system in cancer, atherosclerosis, and other diseases.

A scientific staff of more than 250 focuses on:

• Improving the safety and efficacy of blood services in the United States
• Studying the molecular biology of blood and the immune response
• Developing new biomedical products and technologies that will address the health needs of patients worldwide.

  One Holland Lab scientist has been researching a new drug treatment that could potentially slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Other Red Cross scientists, in collaboration with the U.S. Army, have developed the technology for the Fibrin Sealant bandage, a potential way to halt traumatic bleeding.

  Holland Lab scientists collaborate with colleagues from major research institutions and universities around the world, and routinely receive research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies. Scientific research allows the Red Cross to maintain its standing as the premier blood supplier for the United States.

  Jerome Heartwell Holland, PhD, for whom the lab is named, served the American people as a member of the American Red Cross Board of Governors for nearly 18 years, and was the board's chairman from 1980 until his death in 1985. A businessman, college president, diplomat, and unfailing humanitarian, Dr. Holland promoted the Red Cross commitment to biomedical research and development that is now embodied in the laboratory that bears his name.

  In addition to the Holland Laboratory, about a dozen Red Cross Blood Services regions are involved in local research and development programs, often in collaboration with universities and large teaching hospitals around the country.

  The American Red Cross also has National Testing Labs around the country. To read about other research efforts and services provided by the Red Cross's "Biomedical Services" department, please visit our Biomedical Services section.