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:
Blood donations are critically needed now and throughout the summer to ensure availability of all blood types for patients in need. While summer can often be a challenging season for blood donations, blood collection organizations are facing a unique and concerning set of challenges this June.
As the nation resumes some level of normalcy with progress in our battle against the pandemic, hospital need for blood is increasing. The majority of hospitals have resumed nonessential surgeries and patients throughout the U.S. are resuming treatment options that include the use of blood and blood components that were postponed during the past year. These factors and more have led to a rise both in the number of patients who need blood – and an increased need for eligible individuals to donate.
AABB, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross are joining together to urge eligible, healthy individuals to make an appointment to donate blood now and throughout the summer. Doing so is essential to the availability of the nation’s blood supply, which ensures life-saving medical treatments are not delayed for patients in need.
This month, the blood community celebrates World Blood Donor Day on June 14 and recognizes World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19 by thanking all current and future blood donors for their altruism and encouraging eligible individuals to make a commitment to schedule appointments to donate throughout the summer. There is no substitute for blood or blood components which are a vital part of treatment options for the millions of individuals who require blood transfusions each year, including the more than 100,000 people suffering from sickle cell disease in the U.S. Blood donors are needed on a regular basis to continuously replenish the U.S. blood supply.
Blood donation remains a safe way that eligible individuals can help save lives. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the U.S., including J&J, Moderna, and Pfizer, are able to donate blood and platelets as long as they are symptom-free and feeling well at the time of donation. Knowing the name of the vaccine manufacturer is also important in determining a person’s eligibility to donate blood. Additionally, donating blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine does not reduce a donor’s protection from the virus.
Throughout the pandemic, blood collection organization have adapted their safety protocols to align with CDC guidance to ensure the safest possible experience for donors and staff. Right now, blood collection organizations across the nation need the support and generosity of blood donors to help save lives.
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)
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.