[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF AMERICA'S BLOOD CENTERS

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                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of America's 
Blood Centers. At this moment, someone in America is in vital need of a 
life-saving blood transfusion. Donated blood is needed every two 
seconds across the nation. Today, American's will use thirty thousand 
units of donated blood. One out of seven hospital patients will require 
blood transfusions. One out of three people in this chamber will need 
donated blood at least once in their lifetime. Technological and 
scientific advancements in the medical field continue to rapidly 
develop, but there remains no substitution for the blood transfusion. 
Blood cannot be manufactured nor reproduced. This life sustaining 
substance can only be transfused from one person to another. Life-
saving blood remains a gift from one person to the rest of society. 
Through blood donations we help each other to survive and overcome 
medical hardships. Blood donations connect and unify us as a people who 
care.
  Today I stand to recognize America's Blood Centers, our nation's 
largest not-for-profit, community-based network of blood centers that 
keep on giving the gift of life. America's Blood Centers, founded in 
1962, has grown to include seventy-two independent, community owned 
blood centers, which collect nearly half of the nation's blood supply. 
This June marks 10 years that Southwest Missouri's own Community Blood 
Center of the Ozarks has been providing blood to all Seventh District 
hospitals under the national guidance of America's Blood Centers. 
America's Blood Centers operate more than 600 collection sites that 
give the gift of blood to more than 150 million people and more than 
3,300 U.S. hospitals. Not only do America's Blood Centers give blood, 
but they also ensure that their gift is safe and adequate by developing 
new tests and technologies as well as actively engaging in biomedical 
research in the area of transfusion medicine. Members of America's 
Blood Centers ardently work together to share resources and best 
practices, rising to meet increased national blood supply needs in 
times of peace, in times of war and in times of disaster. America's 
Blood Centers were the first to respond to the Oklahoma City bombing, 
Columbine shootings, and 9/11, and have since worked with the 
Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to 
ensure adequate blood supply and rapid response in times of national 
disaster or acts of terrorism.
  Additionally, America's Blood Centers continue to support U.S. 
military operations around the globe. Together the centers promote 
donor recruitment and societal awareness of blood donations as a top 
priority, working to guarantee that America will have the blood it 
needs to continue to live and thrive. I recognize and commend America's 
Blood Centers on transfusing life into our nation whenever and wherever 
needed.

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