News and Announcements
Announcing the Launch of Empower Group O Care
The Red Cross is thrilled to introduce Empower Group O Care, an innovative initiative set to tackle one of the most pressing issues in transfusion medicine today – ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of O negative Red Blood Cells. As an industry leader with extensive expertise in transfusion medicine, we are championing responsible stewardship practices of both O negative and O positive blood through ongoing educational events and supportive hospital resources, including toolkits and reference documents.
Empower Group O Care underscores our collective obligation to act now to ensure life-saving blood products are consistently available to those who need them most. Join us as we work together to better steward this vital blood supply and support improved patient outcomes.
Events
Adverse Reaction to Transfusion: Laboratory Investigation (Part 1)
Date: April 21
Adverse Reaction to Transfusion: Laboratory Investigation (Part 2)
Date: April 22
Foundations of IgA Deficiency
Date: April 23
Laboratory Services Case Studies: IRL Case - Specialized Testing Case
- HLA Case
Date: April 24
Media Messaging Toolkit
The American Red Cross welcomes participation of our hospital partners in the recruitment of blood donors, especially in times of critical shortages. For your convenience, we have made available prepared messaging and graphics that can be used to promote the need for blood donations.
Blood Supply Messaging Resource Guide
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for refueling the blood supply through blood and platelet donations.
Blood Saves Lives: Helping People with Sickle Cell Disease
Inform and engage your staff and community about the need for diverse donors to help patients battling sickle cell disease.
PLUS Online
An Educational Resource for Transfusion Medicine
Prehospital Whole Blood vs. Blood Components for Trauma
On May 18, 2026, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a multicenter study in adult patients with trauma and signs of hemorrhage, comparing prehospital transfusion with group O whole blood (WB) to transfusion with blood components (packed red cells, plasma, or both). WB was screened for anti-A and anti-B titers less […]
The post Prehospital Whole Blood vs. Blood Components for Trauma appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
Continue ReadingBringing Blood Closer to the Moment of Need: How Prehospital Transfusion Is Shaping Trauma Care
In trauma care, minutes matter. For patients experiencing life-threatening hemorrhage, the time between injury and hospital arrival can be critical. While emergency medical responders are highly trained to stabilize patients in the field, access to blood products before arrival at the hospital remains limited in many parts of the country. Prehospital transfusion programs are helping change that […]
The post Bringing Blood Closer to the Moment of Need: How Prehospital Transfusion Is Shaping Trauma Care appeared first on Red Cross Plus Online Blog.
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