<p>There is an immediate need to expand access to pre-hospital blood transfusions. To expand access to blood products in emergency settings, Congress should establish a demonstration project through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation examining the use of pre-hospital blood.</p>

Ask Congress to Expand Access to Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusions

There is an immediate need to expand access to pre-hospital blood transfusions. To expand access to blood products in emergency settings, Congress should establish a demonstration project through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation examining the use of pre-hospital blood.

This week is Blood Advocacy Week, a collaborative initiative of America’s Blood Centers that is bringing together members of the blood community, advocates, providers, patients, and more to advance policies that promote the value of blood to patients, communities, and our healthcare system. One of the most pressing issues facing the blood supply is the urgent need to expand access to blood products in emergency settings.

A blood transfusion given directly following trauma has been proven to save lives. One study found up to 5% increased odds of mortality for every minute of delay in access to blood.

Despite these findings, significant barriers currently prevent the expansion of pre-hospital blood transfusions. For example, Medicare payments are currently insufficient to support the use of blood by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers, and state and local licensure requirements can vary regarding the type of care a paramedic is allowed to provide. 

This reality impacts patients nationwide. According to the CDC, unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among individuals ages 1-44. Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death following a severe injury, and sadly, up to 56% of those victims die before ever reaching the hospital. 

Making long-term reforms would allow more patients to receive life-saving blood products before reaching a hospital, saving more lives. To achieve this, I am asking you to introduce legislation to establish a demonstration program through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) examining the use of pre-hospital blood.  

Thank you for your focus on this matter and for making strengthening America’s blood supply a national priority. I look forward to your prompt reply.

Ask Congress to Expand Access to Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusions

Message

Dear Office Holder (names will be automatically added on each email),