Honoring blood collection professionals and their life-saving impact on patient care

Fresenius Kabi, an operating company of Fresenius, and the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) announced today that the 19^th annual Blood Collectors Week is underway and runs from September 1 through September 7, 2024. Throughout the week, dedicated individuals who make blood collection possible – including phlebotomists, apheresis operators, medical directors, donor recruiters, technicians, and drivers – are honored for their vital role as the connection between blood donors and patients relying on blood for optimal medical treatment.

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Blood Collectors Week is an annual initiative that was co-created and is sponsored by AABB, an international association for individuals and institutions in the fields of transfusion medicine and biotherapies; and Fresenius Kabi, a global health care company with expertise in pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition and medical technologies.

"For 19 consecutive years, we have been committed to celebrating the selfless individuals who dedicate themselves to blood collection and donation,” said Eddie Kubo, senior vice president, commercial operations for transfusion and cell therapies in North America and China at Fresenius Kabi. "Throughout the week, we want their voices and dedication to be honored and highlighted. Managing the blood collection process requires precision, quality, safety and care – and is essential to safeguarding America’s blood supply. Blood collection professionals deserve our heartfelt appreciation, and this week serves as a tribute to their vital role.”

Nearly 300 blood centers across the United States are expected to host celebrations honoring local collectors in recognition of their dedication to patient health and safety. For a list of participating centers click here.

“Our nation is fortunate to have thousands of dedicated and skilled professionals who work tirelessly every day to maintain the safety and availability of the blood supply. Their heroic work is an essential part of ensuring that blood is always available for patients in need throughout the country,” said Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE, chief executive officer of AABB. “AABB is proud to, once again, partner with Fresenius Kabi for this year’s Blood Collectors Week, as we honor and thank blood collectors for their valiant work.”

Blood collectors are invited to visit bloodcollectors.org to share what makes them proud of their vital role in health care, inspiring others to join the profession. Those celebrating are encouraged to follow the @bloodcollectors X (formerly Twitter) account to read their stories and show support on social media by sharing celebration photos using the hashtags #BloodCollectorsWeek and #SavingLives.

To learn more about blood donation, find a local blood collection site, or download resources for your Blood Collectors Week celebration, visit bloodcollectors.org.

About Fresenius Kabi

Fresenius Kabi (www.fresenius-kabi.com/us), an operating company of Fresenius, specializes in lifesaving medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition worldwide. The company’s products and services are used for the therapy and care of patients with critical and chronic conditions. The company’s U.S. headquarters is in Lake Zurich, Illinois. The company’s global headquarters is in Bad Homburg, Germany. To learn about U.S. career opportunities at Fresenius Kabi, visit us at www.fresenius-kabi.com/us/join-us and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About AABB

AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in the fields of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. The association is committed to improving health through the development and delivery of standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety. AABB membership includes physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers. AABB members are located in more than 80 countries and AABB accredits institutions in more than 50 countries. To learn more about AABB, visit http://www.aabb.org.

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