America's Blood Centers is working to support a robust donor base by prioritizing blood donation as a national imperative.
We are working to:
Expand the pool of eligible blood donors and available blood by finalizing temporary changes to donor eligibility criteria and administrative regulations. In 2020, FDA shortened the deferral period for certain individuals, including men who have sex with men (MSM), for the duration of the declared COVID-19 public healthy emergency. FDA also relaxed administrative regulations that limited the availability of blood components. The changes were based upon extensive safety data and allowed for the re-entry of thousands of previously deferred blood donors.
Establish targeted federal initiatives to support increased diversity in the donor base such as funding for increased molecular red blood cell typing for frequently transfused patients such as those with Sickle Cell Disease or Thalassemia.
Establish funding for research on the predictive social and psychological factors in blood donor motivation in order to attract and retain donors and ensure long-term stability of the nation's blood supply.
Fact Sheets
Recent Activities
ABC Submits Comments on Blood Supply to BPAC
November 2, 2021
Learn more about our work promoting the value of blood to patients, communities, and the healthcare system.
