America's Blood Centers

America's Blood Centers (ABC) is a nonprofit organization that serves as an association of independent non-profit blood centers operating in both the United States and Canada. Founded in 1962, ABC has evolved into a crucial component of North America's blood supply system, providing about 60 percent of the blood supply in the United States and approximately a quarter of the blood supply in Canada[1][4].

Organization and Structure

ABC is composed of more than 600 blood collection sites across its member organizations. These blood centers serve over 150 million people and supply blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout North America[1]. ABC members in the U.S. are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Leadership

The organization is led by a CEO, with Kate Fry, MBA, CAE, currently holding this position as of April 2018. Other key leadership roles include a President and a Chief Medical Officer, with Rita Reik, MD, FCAP serving as the Chief Medical Officer[1].

Activities

Awards and Recognition

ABC organizes the annual Awards of Excellence to recognize individuals, groups, and organizations involved in blood donation efforts. This award ceremony has been held for over two decades, acknowledging dedication to improving blood availability and safety[1].

Global Initiatives

In 2016, ABC participated in the global Missing Type campaign, raising awareness about the need for diverse blood groups across 21 countries[1].

Collaboration with ADRP

America's Blood Centers also partners with the Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals (ADRP), which operates as an international division of ABC. This partnership enhances recruitment, collection, and management practices across blood donation sites[1].

Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABC played a vital role during the pandemic by facilitating the collection of convalescent plasma, contributing to nearly 75 percent of the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma supplied in the U.S., in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)[1].

Publications and Partnerships

America's Blood Centers publishes a weekly newsletter and a quarterly peer-reviewed journal known as the ABC Blood Bulletin, focusing on transfusion medicine[1]. The organization collaborates with various international and national entities, including the Alliance of Blood Operators and the European Blood Alliance[1].

The Foundation for America's Blood Centers

Associated with ABC is the Foundation for America's Blood Centers (FABC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997. FABC works to improve the availability, quality, and safety of blood supplies through funding initiatives that align with its mission to enhance patient outcomes[3].