When: June 14
What: Since 1987, the U.S. has seen an alarming upward trend in maternal deaths. In these and other serious medical situations, blood transfusions and products are essential in saving lives. Highlight the importance of safe and abundant blood resources this June 14 on World Blood Donor Day.
Background: World Blood Donor Day was established in 2004 by the U.N. to raise awareness and support for blood donations and the variety of essential medical roles they help fulfill. This year’s theme is “Safe blood for saving mothers,” focusing on how crucial transfusion medicine and blood products are both in saving mothers’ lives during labor and in caring for their children.
Story Pitch: Organizations like blood banks and transfusion services will want to focus on how their work promotes maternal health and how they work with groups that support women’s health. If possible, these groups could partner with blood donation centers to hold blood drives as well as seminars about prenatal care and about how people can support women’s health in developing nations. Companies that work in medical logistics and shipping can discuss their unique methods for getting blood and medical products to health centers around the world. Similarly, university medical programs and research centers can join these groups for volunteering and donation opportunities. They can also highlight their work, especially as it relates to developing nations, blood research and women’s health.
Story Hook: According to the World Health Organization, roughly 800 women die every day from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications, and most of these women live in developing countries. How can women in these countries get better access to blood transfusions? What about women and mothers in general? Keep the following in mind while making your pitch:
- What are the most common and preventable medical issues faced by mothers?
- What types of products can be produced from blood?
- How important is the donation of blood to the world medical community?
- How can private citizens help aside from donating blood?
Tips: Provide contact information for the administrator of a blood bank or a researcher who works in hematology. A person who regularly donates blood, or a woman who was helped by a transfusion, would also make a good source for a story.
Resources:
Blood Centers of America
(401) 381-0600
info(at)bca.coop
www.bca-hemerica.com
Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network
(847) 433-3313
help(at)bmtinfonet.org
www.bmtinfonet.org
Office on Women’s Health
(800) 994-9662
www.womenshealth.gov
World Health Organization
communications(at)who.int
www.who.int
Event Dates from CHASE’S Calendar of Events
