By:  Latoya S. Thomas, Head of Public Policy & Government Affairs – U.S. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies 

Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood — in fact, nearly 16 million blood components are transfused annually.i  Limited shelf life and constant demand fueled by trauma, blood loss during labor and delivery, surgeries, and other medical needs make blood donation essential to patient care, but its impact does not stop there. Blood donation also plays a critical role in advancing medical research and innovation, including the development of next-generation therapies that are transforming care for patients with cancer, immune deficiencies, and rare diseases. 

Our blood and cells have the power to bring healing as essential medicines.  Take, for example, the use of red blood cell exchange in sickle cell patients to prevent stroke, which requires safe, precisely antigen-matched blood.ii  To unlock that power and achieve the full promise of therapies, we depend on both intensive science and a strong, reliable, and diverse network. 

Blood Donation as the Backbone of Medical Research 

Blood donation is one of the first steps in a long journey from discovery to treatment.  Donated blood and components, including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, are foundational to biomedical research.  These raw materials are used in early-stage studies and clinical trials that help researchers better understand disease and safely develop, test, and refine therapies before they ever reach patients. 

Crossmatching blood for precision medicine such as gene therapy involves testing for a complex series of markers to understand a person’s genetics, immune profile, and disease susceptibility.  Maintaining a robust and representative donor base helps ensure that innovation reflects the real-world populations it is meant to serve. 

Why It Matters for Patients and Families 

For patients and caregivers, the connection between blood donation and therapy development is not theoretical.  Ultimately, blood shortages can slow research, delay clinical trials, and limit access to both one-time treatments and chronic transfusion therapy for conditions like sickle cell disease.  

This is particularly consequential for rare disease communities, where patient populations are small and research opportunities are precious.  It also raises important considerations about equity, underrepresentation of communities, and increased disparities in research and care. 

A blood supply that reflects a wide variety of blood types, genetic markers, and racial and ethnic backgrounds is essential. While blood types A, B, AB, and O are the most familiar, they are only the beginning; hundreds of antigens help determine blood compatibility, and some are more common in specific racial and ethnic groups. For example, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for someone living with sickle cell disease, the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S.  Without these rare donors, sickle cell warriors could experience a severe immune response from a transfusion of incompatible blood.iii     

Powering Next-Generation Therapies 

Innovation in medicine cannot move faster than the systems that support it.  For example, advanced chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy and other cell and gene therapies begin with a collection of cells from either the patient or a healthy donor through a process called apheresis (automated blood collection).  These cells are the starting material that are modified and reintroduced to fight disease at its source.iv  As demand for these therapies grows, so does the need for modernized blood collection and processing systems to facilitate the production and availability of lifesaving therapies. Without a consistent blood supply, the pathway from lab discovery to patient access becomes far more vulnerable. 

Strengthening the Ecosystem Together 

About 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, but only three percent actually do.v Declining donor participation, an aging donor base, increasing demand driven by medical innovation, and tariff threats on medical devices are pressures that demand collaboration by donors, patient organizations, researchers, health systems, and policymakers to address. 

Blood donation is more than altruism: It is patient advocacy, strengthening the entire health ecosystem.  Without donors, transformative and life-changing therapies and medical advancements cannot happen. 

There are meaningful ways for individuals and organizations to help: 

• • Donate blood regularly, if eligible, and encourage others to do the same.   
  • Learn and share information about blood types, markers, and precision donation opportunities. 
  • Patient and advocacy organizations can integrate blood donation education into outreach and awareness efforts. 
  • Health leaders  and partners can support efforts to modernize and strengthen the blood supply system to support today’s needs and tomorrow’s innovations. 

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general educational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or promote any medical device, therapy, or product. The views expressed reflect general scientific and public‑health information on blood donation and research. Outcomes may vary, and individuals should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding medical decisions. This article was authored by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) and hosted by the National Health Council as part of an awareness initiative. No endorsement of Terumo BCT products or services is stated or implied.