Blood safety is of vital importance to PDSA and other support groups since many people receive blood-derived products such as IVIg or platelets during the course of their treatment.

PDSA staff monitors emerging issues on the national and international level concerning the safety of the blood supply and advocates for policies in the interest of our constituents. Along with other members of the American Plasma Users Coalition (A-Plus), PDSA contributes to letters, articles, and meetings to help assure the safety of this vital resource.

Selected Actions:

Monitor blood donation policy - Along with A-Plus, PDSA continues to monitor the proposed changes to the blood donation policy to allow gay men to donate blood. PDSA staff attended the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability of the Department of Health and Human Services and advocated for more research before proceeding.

Attend blood safety workshops - PDSA staff attended a workshop on the Quarantine Release Errors in Blood Establishments sponsored by the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, America’s Blood Centers, and the Department of Health and Human Services.