Blood Banking Community Encourages Americans to Give Blood This January During National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

12/31/2003

From: Jennifer Garfinkel or Emily Yu of the American Association of Blood Banks, 301-215-6526; Sharon Pavlovsky of America's Blood Centers, 202-654-2915; or Lesly C. Hallman of the American Red Cross, 202-303-5617

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 -- Representatives from the nation's blood banking community are challenging all eligible Americans who have yet to donate blood for the first time to make a New Year's resolution to give the "gift of life." The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), America's Blood Centers (ABC), and the American Red Cross (ARC) issued this request to kick off National Volunteer Blood Donor Month 2004. Together, the three organizations have set a goal to collect a total of 1.2 million units of blood during January -- a time when blood is traditionally in short supply.

"Donating blood is a simple, safe, life-saving, and selfless gift that millions of Americans can do," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. "As we celebrate the New Year, I ask that people across America remember to give thanks, give life, and give twice this year and every year."

During this annual, month-long observance, the blood banking community is encouraging healthy individuals to donate in January and to pledge to donate at least one more time during 2004. January is usually a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations due to holidays, busy travel schedules, inclement weather and illness.

"The winter season can lead to a reduction in donor turnout, which can put our nation's blood inventory at a critical low," said Karen Shoos Lipton, AABB's chief executive officer. "Our goal is to ensure that blood is readily available to patients whenever and wherever it is needed because it is the blood on the shelves that saves lives."

According to the National Blood Data Resource Center, 1.12 million units of Red Blood Cells were collected last year during January 2003. This year's goal represents an increase in the amount collected by approximately seven percent.

"Every day blood is needed in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to save the lives of accident victims," said American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans. "The single unit of blood that one person donates could help save the lives of up to three different people."

"To avert critical blood shortages this winter, we need citizens across the country to schedule an appointment to donate blood," said Jim MacPherson, CEO of America's Blood Centers. "Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, which means it constantly needs to be replenished. Donors can give blood every 56 days, or six times a year."

Those interested in donating blood may call one of the following numbers for more information and to find out where they can schedule an appointment to donate:

-- American Association of Blood Banks 1-866-FROM-YOU (1-866- 376-6968); http://www.aabb.org

-- America's Blood Centers 1-888-USBLOOD (1-888-872-5663); http://www.americasblood.org

-- American Red Cross 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543); http://www.redcross.org

About the American Association of Blood Banks

Established in 1947, the American Association of Blood Banks is an international association of blood banks, including hospital and community blood centers, transfusion and transplantation services and individuals involved in activities related to transfusion and transplantation medicine. The AABB supports high standards of medical, technical and administrative performance, scientific investigation, clinical application and education. It is dedicated to encouraging the voluntary donation of blood and other tissues and organs through education, public information and research. AABB member facilities are responsible for collecting virtually all of the nation's blood supply and transfusing more than 80 percent. Approximately 2,000 institutions (community and hospital blood banks, hospital transfusion services and laboratories) and 8,000 individuals are members of the AABB, including physicians, scientists, administrators, medical technologists, blood donor recruiters and public relations personnel. Members are located in all 50 states and 80 foreign countries.

About America's Blood Centers

Founded in 1962, America's Blood Centers is North America's largest network of non-profit, community blood centers. Seventy- six blood centers operate more than 500 collection sites in 45 U.S. states and Quebec, Canada, and provide nearly half of the U.S., and nearly one-quarter of Canada's volunteer donor blood supply. These centers serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,300 hospitals. ABC members are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. Currently operating on a budget of $2.7 billion, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters nationwide. The American Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply to patients in 3,000 hospitals nationwide. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE today to schedule your lifesaving donation or to sponsor a blood drive.