CAF Launches #RefillTheBloodBanks Campaign in Response to Critical Blood Shortage
March 17, 2020 – Over 2,700 blood drives have been canceled as of today because many of the usual locations for community blood drives like schools and businesses are closing. The nation’s blood supply is now facing a critical shortage. Many blood centers have less than a one-day supply.
In response to this blood shortage, we are launching our new #RefillTheBloodBanks campaign. The goal of this campaign is to increase blood donations to blood centers across the United States. We will share the stories of individuals with thalassemia on our social media channels, emphasizing the urgency of the need for blood during the coronavirus pandemic. When potential blood donors are able to connect to a specific patient’s story, it helps them understand the life-saving impact they will have when they donate blood–and they are then much more likely to visit their local blood center.
We are calling on the thalassemia community to help us increase blood donations by joining the #RefillTheBloodBanks campaign. Your stories have the power to help us fight the blood shortage. If you require blood transfusions, share a photo or video explaining why you need the help of blood donors and tag with #RefillTheBloodBanks, and we will repost. Help us spread the word!
For those who would like to donate blood, you can find your local blood center and make an online appointment at: aabb.org/donateblood.