Inaugural Blood Advocacy Week scheduled for April 24-28, 2023

by Dr. Nicole De Simone


“Growing and diversifying the nation’s donor base and ensuring the long-term resilience of America's blood supply takes everyone.”
 — Kate Fry, Chief Executive Officer at America’s Blood Centers.

America’s Blood Centers (ABC) has created an initiative to increase discussions between members of the blood community, legislators, advocates, providers, and patients to promote the value of blood products and advocate for changes that strengthen the blood supply. This inaugural initiative, Blood Advocacy Week, is occurring April 24-28th, 2023 and has daily virtual events scheduled.

Current topics being addressed include:

  • Educating, promoting and funding awareness programs regarding the FDA’s recent and future changes to donor eligibility to welcome back donors and expand the donor base.

  • The need for CMS reimbursements for pre-hospital transfusions based on evidence that lives can be saved when patients receive blood products before reaching a hospital.

  • The importance of recruiting more diverse and younger blood donors ensuring that our blood supply is as diverse as our patients who need transfusions.

  • Expanding the availability of blood transfusions within the Medicare hospice program to maintain quality of life for palliative care patients.

As part of our blood community, we hope that you will visit the Blood Advocacy Week website and watch ABC’s short video, not only learn more about these efforts but to also advocate for changes to strengthen and diversify our blood supply and to provide reimbursements for blood products for specific patient populations in need.  

 

References:

https://americasblood.org/advocacy/bloodadvocacyweek/#about

https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/04/05/2642008/0/en/America-s-Blood-Centers-Announces-Inaugural-Blood-Advocacy-Week-to-Promote-the-Value-of-Blood-to-Patients-Communities-and-our-Healthcare-System.html