History of Blood Donation Program

Started as a war relief effort to provide life-saving blood for soldiers during World War II, Red Cross Blood Services has grown to become an industry leader — collecting and distributing half the nation's blood supply.  All the technology and science, however, is only made possible by one simple selfless act:  An average person takes time out of his busy schedule to give a piece of himself so that someone he will never know has a chance to live.

Today's Red Cross blood program is the legacy of Dr. Charles Drew, a hematologist, surgeon, educator and scientist whose pioneering work in blood collection, plasma processing and transfusion therapy laid the foundation for modern blood banking.

To all the volunteer blood donors, we thank you on behalf of the lives of those patients you have saved, and all their grateful loved ones. You are the true definition of a hero.