Fresenius Kabi and AABB Celebrate 15th Annual Blood Collectors Week

Blood Collectors Week 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 that specializes in medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition.

During this week, more than 280 blood centers across the U.S. are expected to host celebrations and tributes. Participating blood centers and donors are encouraged to submit success stories online (www.bloodcollectors.org) to highlight blood collectors who have gone above and beyond to create a positive donor experience and ensure a steady blood supply.

"Every day, even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, blood collectors put their strength, passion and experience to work to ensure patients receive the blood components they need. We are extremely proud to celebrate each of these dedicated individuals and thank them for the critical work they do," said Dean Gregory, president, global commercial operations, Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapies Division at Fresenius Kabi. "We're pleased to partner once again with AABB to distinguish the many blood collection professionals in the U.S. who serve as a vital link in saving patients' lives."

Health care professionals associated with blood collection include phlebotomists, apheresis operators, medical directors and donor recruiters.

"This year, Blood Collectors Week takes on a special meaning. The impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remind us about the essential role that phlebotomists, apheresis operators and all those involved in blood collection play in the health care system," said Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE, CEO of AABB. "As they have done throughout the pandemic, these dedicated professionals continue to navigate unprecedented challenges to ensure that blood is available for patients in need. AABB is proud to partner again with Fresenius Kabi to honor their vital work this Blood Collectors Week."

Participants in Blood Collectors Week are encouraged to show their support for the week on social media by sharing pictures and using the hashtags #BloodCollectorsWeek and #SavingLives. Blood Collectors Week is on Twitter @bloodcollectors.

To learn more about blood donation and finding a local blood collection site, visit www.aabb.org.

About AABB

AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in the fields of transfusion medicine and biotherapies. 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.