Progress toward a National Blood System. The American Blood Commission

The success of the American Blood Commission in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of blood service delivery in the United States depends on the Commission's interactions with its members, with HEW and with the Congress. Active involvement of over 36 national organizations as dues-paying members representing both consumer/donors and providers gives the Commission considerable influence. HEW underwrites specific programs of the Commission and HEW agencies display co-operation and re-enforcement of its moves. The Congress has refrained from actions that might undercut the effort. An all-voluntary blood-donor system is a key American Blood Commission objective. The argument for voluntarism is supported by the need to control hepatitis, but other means of controlling hepatitis may be developed. The Commission's plan for a national blood system is based on securing voluntary compliance with guidelines recommended by peer groups within the Commission, and should facilitate a more effective national blood-transfusion system.