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News Release

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding the Critical Shortage of Blood

This year, National Volunteer Blood Donor Month could not come at a better time. America's blood banks are currently facing a critical shortage of blood. In many parts of the country, there is less than a two-day supply, far short of what we need to be adequately prepared for large-scale or personal emergencies we may face.

Replenishing our supply of this life-giving resource is an urgent national priority -- one that will better help us care for our families, friends and neighbors on a daily basis, and one that will make us better prepared to respond to a crisis anywhere in the country.

Our nation regularly faces blood shortages, not just in times of tragedy. In such times -- as we saw after September 11 -- people are eager and quick to donate blood. But we must commit to becoming regular donors to help those in need year round.

Donating blood is a simple, safe, life-saving and selfless gift that millions of Americans can give. While 60 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, only 5 percent do. We can do better. We must do better.

Please, make an appointment today to give the gift of life and alleviate critical shortages to our blood supply. Become a regular donor, and make donating blood part of your routine. Less than an hour of your time could give years of life to someone in need.

If you have any questions about how to donate, where to donate or whether you can donate, please call your local blood bank or visit our Web site at www.organdonor.gov/blooddonor.htm.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: January 13, 2003