The following statement has been issued by AABB, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross regarding the status of the nation’s blood supply:
January is National Blood Donor Month and the blood community thanks those individuals who selflessly donate blood, platelets and convalescent plasma for patients this month and throughout the year. Through the generosity of donors, health care providers are able to deliver lifesaving treatments to patients in need.
This National Blood Donor Month brings challenges unlike any other as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruptions in blood collections and unprecedented fluctuations in the supply and demand for blood products. Blood centers throughout the country continue to collect blood despite this difficult time for our nation and the world.
Right now, convalescent plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19 is essential as a treatment option for those hospitalized with and currently battling COVID-19. Blood collection organizations distributed more than 100,000 units of convalescent plasma in December to healthcare providers. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the U.S., the need for additional donors remains.
This January, AABB, America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross join together to urge all eligible individuals to make and keep an appointment to donate blood, platelets and convalescent plasma now to ensure critical treatment options are always available for patients when needed.
Please contact one of the following organizations to find a local blood collection site and to schedule an appointment to donate:
AABB: www.aabb.org; +1.301.907.6977
America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org; +1.202.393.5725
American Red Cross: www.redcrossblood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)
Blood collection organizations follow the highest standards of safety and infection control. To ensure optimal safety during the pandemic, social distancing measures and increased infection control protocols remain in place. Donors are required to wear a face covering while giving blood, platelets and convalescent plasma. In addition, donation appointments are strongly encouraged to appropriately manage donor flow and ensure social distancing precautions are followed.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.