|
Blood Services
Having provided comfort and aid to those in need since
1881, the Red Cross quickly adopted Blood Services as a
fundamental part of its humanitarian mission.
Started as a war relief effort to provide life-saving blood
for soldiers during World War II, Red Cross Blood Services has
grown to become an industry leader — collecting and
distributing half the nation's blood supply.
All the technology and science, however, is only made
possible by one simple selfless act: An average person takes
time out of his busy schedule to give a piece of himself so
that someone he will never know has a chance to live.
This incredible act of kindness, that allows a stranger to
celebrate another birthday, give birth to a child, or share
another Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, is at the
heart of what we do.
Since establishing the first civilian blood service after
World War II, the American Red Cross has been a leader in
blood collection, safety and development. Today, the safety
and availability of the blood supply is our highest priority.
And our national research center, the Jerome H. Holland
Laboratory, is one of the foremost blood research facilities
in the world.
"Who do I call a hero? Someone who donates blood." 11-year old soccer goalie who needs regular blood
transfusions to stay
alive. |
| 
