Our Mission

Biomedical Services—Collecting, Testing and Supplying Blood across Our Nation

In Merrillville, Indiana, a blood donor rolls up his sleeve to give a pint of blood—for the 160th time.

The Red Cross collects, processes and distributes lifesaving blood and blood products. We provide more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, making us the single largest supplier of blood in our nation. We are a leader in scientific research, transfusion medicine and testing to protect the blood supply.

The Red Cross is committed to keeping the blood supply as safe as possible and to holding itself accountable to the highest standards set by regulators and the American public it serves.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Every year, four million donors like you give blood. Whether the blood goes to help treat a premature baby born with anemia, a car accident victim or a cancer patient, people who donate their blood ensure that the sick and injured receive the lifesaving blood transfusions they need. Every pint of blood can help save up to three lives.

Only a small percentage of those who are eligible to donate actually give blood. Whether you donate often or if it’s your first time, your blood donation can make a difference. Did you know that the armed forces rely upon the American Red Cross for their blood products?

Each year, the Red Cross distributes more than 9 million donated blood products to patients at approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Our use of current medical technologies allows us to provide a variety of lifesaving blood products to the hospitals and transfusion centers we serve.

Donations given to our Biomedical Services research and development program help us remain at the forefront of blood transfusion safety and technology.

Throughout its history, the Red Cross Blood Services program has made significant contributions and advancements in blood component technology, blood safety, plasma-derived therapeutics, transfusion medicine and biomedical science. Our groundbreaking work is possible because of the generous contributions of our donors.

Last year, the American Red Cross collected over 11,000 units of life-saving blood from generous donors throughout our service area. Please give the Gift of Life.

Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment to donate blood or to arrange a blood drive at your workplace.

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