Private Sector Update
Created and distributed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Private Sector Office
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Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Division Phone: 202-646-3444
Advisory
Requesting Partner Support for Amplification of American Red Cross Blood Donation Messaging
The American Red Cross has asked for support to amplify their blood donation messaging on social media and during media interviews, as appropriate.
We are sharing their talking points and social media posts that they’ve requested help with amplifying.
Talking Points:
- One thing people can do to help the country during this public health emergency is to donate blood.
- We need an adequate supply of blood to treat patients in hospitals who need emergency surgery or trauma patients.
- But a lot of blood drives take place on college campuses or workplaces, and those drives have been cancelled. (As of March 17, the American Red Cross reports nearly 4,000 drives cancelled and more than 100,000 fewer blood donations – industry numbers are higher)
- If you are a healthy individual, it’s important you go donate blood. Volunteer blood donors are the only source of blood for those in need.
- Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give. It’s important to note that blood drives have the highest standards of safety and infection control.
- We recommend people leave home for necessities like groceries, or a doctor’s visit, or the pharmacy – and donating blood is a necessity too.
- So, give blood – you’ll feel good about it and you’ll be helping your country during this crisis.
- One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people.
Social posts to amplify:
Please note that American Red Cross is only updating the number of blood drive cancellations once a day, new numbers will be available tomorrow morning around 9 am.
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