JANUARY IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONOR MONTH

American Association of Blood Banks ^ | January 1, 2004

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News Release

BLOOD BANKING COMMUNITY ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO GIVE BLOOD THIS JANUARY DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONOR MONTH

Goal is to Collect Donations from Those Who Have Yet to Give the “Gift of Life”

WASHINGTON (January 1, 2004) – 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); www.aabb.org

America’s Blood Centers 1-888-USBLOOD (1-888-872-5663); www.americasblood.org

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

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Or call your local blood center.

Give the Gift of Life!

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Rank	Location	Receipts	Donors/Avg		Freepers/Avg		Monthlies
30	Alabama	150.00	4	37.50	215	0.70	309.50	18

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[zeugma]

I tried to donate in December. They wanted my SS#. I'm not giving that to anyone anymore unless it is absolutely necessary.

[cspackler]

I was always an every 8 week donor. Got the usual call one week, that they were in "urgent need" of my blood. (I am O neg...) Anyway, I walked in 15 minutes before thier closing time, and was informed that they didn't have time for me, could I come back some other time. Somehow, it just took the luster off of the whole thing since then, it just didn't seem that "critical" anymore.