Steps Forward to a Fair and Inclusive Blood Supply

Jason Siu1, Louis Katz2, Monica B Pagano3

  • 1Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.

PubMed

Blood transfusions save lives. Scientific advancements in infectious disease testing, immunohematology, and blood processing, coupled with an altruistic blood donor model, blood transfusion has become a safe and effective therapeutic intervention. Blood establishments are an integral part of the health care continuum. However, challenges related to access to blood as well as diversity of blood donors can reflect the broader issues within our health care system. An awareness of the social injustices while using medical evidence-based data to support change will be essential for ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments for all individuals and the communities we serve.

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