Current U.S. Blood Supply Now Adequate to Handle Demands Resulting from Hurricane Harvey
Blood Centers Continue to Encourage Donations to Ensure that Blood Will Be Available When Needed
ethesda, Md. – The AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism has determined that the current blood supply in the United States is now adequate to meet the needs of patients in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Thanks to the support and donations of blood donors nationwide in the aftermath of the disaster, blood supply needs are being met in Southeast Texas and other impacted areas.
“Blood centers across the country rallied to provide blood to Houston in the days following the storm when donor centers there were closed and blood drives couldn't be held,” said Dennis Todd, chair of the Task Force. “However, as always, we encourage eligible individuals to give blood and platelets regularly so that the U.S. blood supply remains sufficient.”
The Task Force applauds those who wish to help and encourages all eligible individuals to schedule regular blood and platelet donation appointments so that blood is available whenever and wherever it is needed.
Those interested in donating blood may contact the following organizations to find a local blood drive or donation center and to schedule an appointment:
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)
Armed Services Blood Program: www.militaryblood.dod.mil; +1.703.681.8024
The Task Force was formed in January 2002 to help make certain that blood collection efforts resulting from domestic disasters and acts of terrorism are managed properly and to deliver clear and consistent messages to the public regarding the status of America’s blood supply. The Task Force is composed of representatives from U.S. blood services, associations and commercial entities, as well as liaisons from governmental agencies, who work together in an effort to ensure that safe and adequate blood product inventories are in place at all times in preparation for disasters. In addition, the task force operates as a mechanism to assess the need for collections and/or transportation of blood should a disaster occur.
AABB serves as the designated coordinating entity for the Task Force. In addition to AABB, members include AdvaMed, America's Blood Centers, American Association of Tissue Banks, American Hospital Association, American Red Cross, Blood Centers of America, College of American Pathologists, National Marrow Donor Program and the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association. Liaisons from the following government agencies also participate in task force discussions: Armed Services Blood Program and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.
About AABB
AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in the fields of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. The association is committed to improving health through the development and delivery of standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety. AABB membership includes physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers. AABB members are located in more than 80 countries and AABB accredits institutions in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.aabb.org.