New approaches to increasing blood donations in the public sector

Two articles in the Feb 22, 2005 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette address issues of concern to all blood donation centers struggling to attract donors.

• Screening process for blood donors streamlined
• The plasma industry way - paying your donors - is debated as a path for blood banks to follow

In the interest of fostering open discussion on this controversial subject the Editor invites comments from members of the e-Network Forum, particularly those who have had experience in these new or "unorthodox" approaches.

ADDENDA Feb. 23, 2005

The following comments have been received.

1. A veteran (and venerable) blood banker/transfusion medicine physician in Florida comments that the idea of some form of income tax deduction or credit for blood donation was introduced and died in Congress many times during the 1970s. Reference (PDF): Bevan W. On stimulating the gift of blood. Science 1971;173;583. He wonders if it is once again time to raise that concept again.

ADDENDA Feb. 24, 2005

2. A US visitor in Australia reports that the come-and-gone proposal to offer some kind of tax incentive for donating blood reminds him that travel associated with charitable volunteerism can be tax deductible. The IRS deductible cost per mile for charity-related automobile travel is about one third of the reimbursement allowed for business travel, but donors, especially those who frequent a particular fixed site, inform him that it is worth their while to track this.

ADDENDA Feb. 28, 2005

3. The editor draws attention to another article on this issue in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of Feb 27. (article is no longer posted)

Submit comments to the e-Network Forum at enetworkforum@cbbsweb.org

Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Senior Editor & Moderator

W. Tait Stevens, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator

Elizabeth M. St. Lezin, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Associate Editor & Moderator