Honoring Those Who Collect Blood--A Vital Role in Our Communities

Eighth Annual Blood Collectors Week Sponsored by Fenwal and AABB

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. & BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Every day in the United States, tens of thousands of people rely on blood therapies for the treatment of critical medical conditions. Blood collectors are the crucial link between volunteer blood donors and the patients who count on these lifesaving therapies.

“Blood collection professionals serve a vital role in our communities by helping to ensure blood is available when and where it is needed”

The dedication and commitment of blood donors and blood collection professionals are the main reasons why blood is available when tragic events occur — such as car accidents, natural disasters, or serious illnesses — requiring blood transfusions.

Blood collection professionals will be recognized Sept. 9-15, 2012, in communities worldwide as part of the eighth annual Blood Collectors Week. During this week, blood centers will host celebrations, often with local government officials, to recognize their staff members and donors.

Blood Collectors Week is sponsored jointly by medical technology leader Fenwal, Inc. and AABB, the international association for professionals in transfusion medicine and cellular therapies.

“Blood collection professionals serve a vital role in our communities by helping to ensure blood is available when and where it is needed,” said Karen L. Shoos, JD, chief executive officer of AABB. “These professionals are relied upon to provide a rewarding experience for volunteer blood donors so that the transfusion medicine community can continue to serve patients requiring lifesaving therapies.”

People typically receive transfusions of red blood cells, platelets or plasma. Red blood cells are the most frequently needed blood component. Blood collectors serve an important role helping individuals select the best donation option based on local blood supply needs, their blood type and donor qualifications. To donate blood, one must be healthy, and meet age, weight and other donor requirements.

Eligible individuals are encouraged to honor blood professionals and the patients they serve by contacting their local blood collection facility to schedule an appointment to donate. Those interested in learning more about blood donation and finding a local blood collection site should visit www.aabb.org. For more information about Blood Collectors Week, visit www.bloodcollectors.org.

About AABB

AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in the field of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety. AABB membership consists of nearly 2,000 institutions and 8,000 individuals, including physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers. Members are located in more than 80 countries. For more information, please visit www.aabb.org.

About Fenwal

Fenwal, Inc. is a global medical technology company focused on improving transfusion medicine through unique expertise in blood separation, collection, filtration, storage and transfusion. The company offers a broad range of products and services for the automated and manual collection of blood and blood components. Fenwal products and advanced collection and separation technologies are used to help treat patients on six continents. Fenwal, Inc. is based in Lake Zurich, Illinois. For more information about Fenwal, please visit www.fenwalinc.com.