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:

The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross are joining together to encourage eligible individuals to make and keep blood donation appointments this summer to help maintain a safe and adequate blood supply, and to ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving transfusions when they are needed.

The nation’s blood supply is currently strained, and eligible individuals are asked to donate blood or platelets to ensure an adequate supply is available to meet patients’ needs. Reports from the past month indicate that the blood supply in the United States is lower than it should be for routine and emergency care. In fact, many blood collection organizations have faced, or are currently facing, a critical shortage this summer.

The blood community strongly urges eligible individuals throughout the United States to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible. Doing so will help build a stable and adequate blood supply, which saves lives and ensures patient needs are met.

To ensure blood is available when patients need it, eligible individuals are encouraged to make and keep an appointment to donate blood.

The blood community relies on the generosity of blood donors to help save lives throughout the year. Please contact one of the following organizations to find a local blood donation site and to schedule an appointment to donate:

·      AABB: www.wheretodonateblood.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)

The blood community thanks all current and future blood donors for their support. Please schedule your next appointment.

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