America's Blood Centers

Ever heard of Babesiosis? How about Anaplasmosis? These tongue-twisters are more than just difficult to pronounce – they're tick-borne illnesses that impact millions of Americans each year. We're pulling back the curtain on how blood centers are tackling these diseases to ensure the safety of the blood supply: ? Babesiosis: The silent invader of red blood cells ? Lyme Disease: The most famous tick-borne illness (but can it affect blood donations?) ? Anaplasmosis: The lesser-known, but equally important threat Learn how advanced testing, smart deferral policies, and constant vigilance keep these tick-borne terrors at bay. Explore the world of nucleic acid testing, regional testing strategies, and learn why your last camping trip might affect your ability to donate: https://bit.ly/4fEMhcC

Happy Thanksgiving! ?????? We are filled with gratitude for our incredible members and the millions of selfless blood donors who continually step up to save lives. Your unwavering dedication and generosity enrich the lives of countless individuals in need of blood transfusions. Thank you for being a vital part of this life-saving mission!

Safety is our top priority: Community blood centers employ multiple layers of protection to safeguard the nation's blood supply. From comprehensive donor education and health questionnaires to rigorous infectious disease testing and collaboration with national surveillance programs, we're committed to protecting those who rely on transfusions. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fZ9ENP

Curious to know what ADRP: The Association for Blood Donor Professionals Annual Conference attendees have to say? Check out this video for their feedback, insights, and highlights! From engaging sessions to networking opportunities, it's an unforgettable experience for blood center professionals. Watch now to get inspired and join #ADRP in Oklahoma City from May 6-8, 2025. Don't miss out on deepening your knowledge, expanding your network, and being a part of positive change in blood donation. Early bird registration is open! Secure your spot at one of the most anticipated blood banking events of the year! Sign up today: https://bit.ly/490XilS #AnnualConference #BloodDonation #BloodDonor

As Washington prepares for a new administration and a Republican-led House and Senate, it raises questions on the potential impact on community blood centers. With shifts anticipated in regulation, federal authority, reduction in the federal workforce, public health agency reforms, and beyond, it's stay informed on how these changes could shape the future of the blood supply and healthcare policy landscape. Read our new analysis: https://bit.ly/40ZzTzd

Did you know that our members operate in more than 1,100 communities and provide close to 60 percent of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply? ABC member organizations serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. It’s easier than ever to find your local community blood center with our updated finder. Just enter your zip code to find your nearest blood center and contact them to learn how to host a blood drive, encourage people in your network to donate blood or volunteer at a blood drive, and more: https://bit.ly/3CIgmUy

Did you know that patients with conditions like #sicklecell disease often require blood from donors with similar ethnic backgrounds for the best outcomes? We're on a mission to increase diversity in the donor base. Here's why it matters: ? Better matches for patients with rare blood types ? Improved treatment for conditions affecting specific populations ? Enhanced ability to serve all communities equitably ? Stronger, more resilient national blood supply That’s why we're advocating for federal initiatives to support: ? Increased molecular red blood cell typing ? Targeted outreach to underrepresented communities ? Research on donor motivation across diverse groups Every drop counts, and every community matters. Join us in building a blood supply that represents and serves all Americans. Ask your Members of Congress to prioritize this crucial effort: https://bit.ly/3Onfa16 #BloodDonationDiversity #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #InclusiveHealthcare

Did you know it can take over a year for a new blood donation center to receive FDA approval? That's 365 days of potential life-saving donations lost while red tape unravels. At America's Blood Centers, we're pushing hard to modernize the licensure process. Here's why it matters: ? Faster approval = more donation locations ? Increased accessibility for donors ? Quicker response to emerging community needs ? Enhanced ability to meet patient demand Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. We can't afford to let bureaucracy stand in the way of saving lives. Join us in advocating for a streamlined licensure process. Together, we can ensure blood is available when and where it's needed most. Learn more about this crucial initiative and our work to make a difference: https://bit.ly/3CDiORH

In a major victory for patient care, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially recognized prehospital blood transfusions as Advanced Life Support Level 2 (ALS2) procedures. This milestone underscores the crucial role of prehospital blood transfusions in improving patient outcomes and survival rates. As a member of the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition steering committee, ABC and our members have played an active role in shaping this policy reform. Community blood centers are at the forefront of efforts to provide blood and blood products for use in the prehospital setting. In 2023, ABC members supplied over 32,000 blood and blood products to an emergency management system in support of their prehospital transfusion program. Learn more about this move by CMS, the importance of blood transfusions in the field, and our advocacy work expanding the availability of prehospital blood: https://bit.ly/4fVzClf #BloodAdvocacy

Every two seconds. That’s how often someone needs blood in America. More than 42,000 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma are used by patients every day. These blood transfusions are needed to treat patients with acute care needs such as trauma and blood loss during childbirth, as well as for disease management for patients with a variety of health conditions, including cancer, inherited blood disorders, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, and organ and bone marrow transplants. America’s Blood Centers and our members are committed to ensuring blood products remain available for all patients in need. Visit our action center to get involved today: https://bit.ly/4f3q5sw