Blood Centers Nationwide Encourage Community Members To Show Support by Donating Blood

 

DEERFIELD, Ill. and BETHESDA, Md.,–During the week of September 17-23, more than 220 blood collection centers, nearly doubling the number participating last year, will celebrate the 2nd Annual Blood Collectors Week sponsored by AABB and Baxter Healthcare Corporation.  This recognition week acknowledges the critical role blood collectors—including phlebotomists, apheresis operators and other staff members—serve in helping to ensure blood is available to patients in need.

 

“Blood collection professionals play an important role by educating donors and providing a safe and comfortable donation experience,” said Karen Shoos Lipton, chief executive officer of AABB.  “The care and concern that these dedicated individuals display helps to ensure that an adequate blood supply is readily available whenever and wherever our communities need it.”

 

According to AABB, about 29 million units of blood components are transfused annually in the United States.  These units of blood are needed to treat patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to save the lives of accident and trauma victims.  Volunteer blood donors are the primary source of blood used for transfusions.

 

During this week-long celebration, community members are encouraged to show their support for those involved with this honorable profession by making a blood donation and helping blood collectors meet local blood supply needs. To schedule a blood donation, or learn more about this important effort, individuals are asked to contact their local blood center.  To donate blood, one must be healthy, and meet age, weight and other donor requirements.

 

“We are proud to sponsor Blood Collectors Week for a second year.  The contributions to health care made by the blood collection professionals are vital to ensuring an adequate blood supply,” said Kevin McCulloch, General Manager for Baxter’s Transfusion Therapies business.  “Blood Collectors Week is a tribute to this important profession and we are pleased to join with AABB and blood centers nationwide to honor these individuals.”

 

Blood collection professionals help facilitate either a whole blood or apheresis donation.  In a whole blood donation, blood is collected and then divided into its therapeutic components for transfusion.  With an apheresis donation, a donor gives a specific therapeutic component – platelets, plasma or red blood cells.  Red blood cells represent the blood component in highest demand with about 14 million units transfused annually.

 

About AABB

 

Established in 1947, AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) is an international, not-for-profit association dedicated to the advancement of science and the practice of transfusion medicine and related biological therapies. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs and services  to optimize patient and donor care and safety. AABB membership consists of approximately 1,800 institutions and 8,000 individuals, including physicians, scientists, administrators, medical technologists, nurses, researchers, blood donor recruiters and public relations personnel. Members are located in all 50 states and 80 countries.

 

About Baxter

 

Baxter’s Transfusion Therapies division offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services for the collection and processing of blood.  For more than 60 years, Baxter’s medical advances have helped shape the practice of blood transfusion therapy. 

 

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal U.S. operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX). Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-care professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. For more information about Baxter, please visit www.baxter.com.