[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H5105-H5106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for and

[[Page H5106]]

emphasize the importance of blood donation and independent blood 
centers in America.
  Blood transfusions help save millions of lives each year. However, 
blood cannot be manufactured, so our entire national supply depends on 
the selfless generosity of blood donors. Because donated blood is 
perishable, it has a limited shelf life. It must be continually 
replenished.
  Last year, when a shooter attacked the Republican baseball team and 
hit my friend and roommate, Majority Whip  Steve Scalise, the donors 
who visited their local blood center in the days prior to the shooting 
made a crucial difference in saving his life. Volunteer blood donors 
ensure that patients suffering due to natural disasters, accidents, 
diseases, or acts of violence always will have access to lifesaving 
blood.
  This week, in honor of World Blood Donor Day, I want to thank our 
Nation's blood donors, as well as encourage others to join the 7 
million Americans who choose to donate blood each year. I also 
encourage my colleagues to visit their local blood centers to learn 
more about the continuous need for blood donation and to support their 
lifesaving work.

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