News Release - January 17, 2012

Contact:
Jessica Maitland
(303) 363-2364
Jessica_Maitland@bonfils.org

Bonfils Blood Center Responds to American Red Cross Blood Safety Issues

DENVER (Jan. 17, 2012) – In light of the recent American Red Cross multi-million dollar fine imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bonfils Blood Center would like to reassure the public about the safety of the community blood supply.

“The community blood supply is safer than ever and the public should not be concerned about donating or receiving blood,” explains Bonfils Blood Center’s Medical Director and Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Joe Chaffin.  “Bonfils is committed to effectively managing the blood supply and takes pride in our ability to not only provide donors the opportunity to save lives with us but to provide quality blood products to our local hospital partners.”

The FDA regulates blood collection agencies to ensure blood donor and recipient safety and recently fined the American Red Cross $9.6 million for not taking corrective action related to some blood management practices but doesn’t believe that there have been any adverse recipient or donor reactions as a result of violations by the Red Cross.  The Red Cross collects approximately half of the nation’s blood supply. 

Bonfils Blood Center is an independent blood center and not affiliated with the Red Cross. Bonfils is Colorado’s largest community blood center and provides a majority of the state’s blood supply through our partnerships with nearly 100 local healthcare facilities including Presbyterian St. Luke’s, Exempla Good Samaritan, Exempla St. Joseph’s, Medical Centers and University of Colorado Hospital. 

For nearly 70 years, Bonfils Blood Center has successfully managed the community blood supply and played an integral role in Colorado’s healthcare system. Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to nearly 200 healthcare facilities to support patients in our community and beyond. For information about Bonfils Blood Center please call 303.366.2000 or visit www.bonfils.org or look for us on Facebook and Twitter.