Fact: Direct donor and autologous blood use are decades old FDA approved processes.
Fact: Direct donors are typically invested emotionally into the care and well being of the recipient. Direct donors are generally not regular blood donors.
Most have either never given blood before or rarely give blood.
Such a curious thing…… we experience such strong opposition when we present Bills in State Health Committee hearings (in 20 states so far). Not once have we had the Blood Industry NOT oppose the bill and NOT wield their lobbying power as a mega-industry against the right for a patient to choose what enters into their own body.
What does each Bill state? Simply, that in a non emergency situation, a patient has the right to choose direct donor blood if they are told they need a blood transfusion.
And yet, the Blood Industry ( as a lobby group, the AABB/The American Association of Blood and Biotherapies and the ABC/ America’s Blood Centers ) stand in opposition EVEN THOUGH direct donors are ADDING to the blood supply, and leaving more blood on the shelf for those emergency situations or for those who do not have direct donors.
Really, with a shortage in full swing, what could be the real motivator for continuing to stand in opposition of direct donor blood as a real solution to both shortage problems while also honoring patient choice? 
( I have strong suspicions why btw)
( I have strong suspicions why btw)It seems a win/win situation from our perspective.
I’m curious! Have you ever donated blood before? If you haven’t, would you donate if you knew you were a match for someone you knew who desperately needed your blood?
