How primary care physicians can help safeguard the nation’s blood supply

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Primary care physicians (PCPs) traditionally collect blood for diagnostics instead of for lifesaving transfusions. But they could play a far more significant role when it comes to helping blood centers build and maintain their blood supply.

The aging population, declining birth rates, and fewer young and first-time donors in the United States have made the importance of blood donations more pronounced. While regenerative medicine and the ability to create artificial sources of blood might be on the far horizon, they are not yet achievable on a scale necessary for transfusions, making the role of PCPs in promoting blood donation even more vital to supporting the country’s blood supply.

Andrea Cefarelli, MPA
_{© New York Blood Center Enterprises}

Kerry Jessani, MBA
_{© J.P. Morgan}

To illustrate the severity of the issue, donations from young people have declined by nearly 50% post-COVID-19, posing a long-term threat to the stability of the nation’s blood supply. And younger people are critical to replace the older donors who are aging out of the donor pool. Historically, donations from 16- to 24-year-olds accounted for 25% of the country’s blood supply, but they now account for only about 10% of donations. In addition, there have been fewer workplace-organized drives post-COVID-19 due to remote and hybrid work schedules, which has also led to a decline in donations. Of the total U.S. population, 62% are eligible to donate, yet only 3% do.

While it is no secret that blood donations are critical, it’s easy to overlook just how important they are for the broader health of our communities and how much of a role blood transfusions play in the daily lives of those around us. Blood transfusions are essential for a variety of medical procedures and emergencies, including accidents and major surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic diseases and childbirth. These wide-ranging applications in life-threatening situations underscore the indispensable role of blood donations in modern medicine.

Blood also has a short shelf life, meaning hospitals require constant replenishment to meet patient needs. With no substitute for blood as of yet, those requiring blood transfusions rely solely on volunteer donors, making it essential for the health of all individuals across the globe and all the more necessary for PCPs to play their part in educating and encouraging their eligible patients to donateblood.

Not-for-profit blood centers like New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) are dedicated to maintaining a steady supply of blood for communities in New York and across the United States. Through its operating divisions located on the East Coast and throughout the Midwest, NYBCe annually delivers 1 million blood products to more than 400 hospitals nationwide and provides additional medical and consultative services to more than 200 research, academic, and biomedical organizations globally. Thanks to recent support from the public markets and a dedicated team of J.P. Morgan health care bankers, we raised $46 million to fund the transformation of a new facility in Rye, New York. Upon completion, the Rye NYBCe facility will enable us to continue our life sciences research, blood collections, processing, distribution and cell therapy manufacturing side by side, and welcome both existing and first-time donors to a comfortable new space. But we can’t do this alone.

Partnership with PCPs is crucial to enhance awareness by educating eligible patients about the importance of blood donation and encouraging them to engage in this lifesaving work. Encouragement from a patient’s PCP can go a long way toward understanding the value and ease of donating blood. Additionally, PCPs can display blood donation collateral in their practice office and exam rooms, including informational material like pamphlets, brochures and posters provided by NYBCe. Providing encouraging reminders and increasing accessibility is an essential step in increasing donations. For example, J.P. Morgan has hosted on-site quarterly blood drives in partnership with NYBCe for over two decades, making it easy for employees to donate during the workday. Since 2016 alone, these blood drives have facilitated 3,000 blood donations.

During times of crisis or blood shortages, PCPs can also spread awareness to their patient base through email or other communications about the need for donations, highlighting the urgency and reasons blood donations are vital in keeping their communities healthy and safe. Even outside times of crisis, they can initiate meaningful conversationsaround the importance of blood donation with their patients and within their community. An effective way to actively promote blood donation is by sharing content on their practice’s website and social media channels — especially highlighting real-life, close-to-home stories where blood donations have saved lives.

Spreading awareness is key to creating a culture of regular blood donation, which can help save lives and fuel innovation. By helping to create an environment where giving blood is seen as a routine and essential act of community care, PCPs can help ensure that hospitals and medical facilities are well equipped to handle emergencies, surgeries and treatments that rely on blood transfusions. Together, through consistent encouragement and education, we can all contribute to building a strong network of blood donors, ensuring that every patient in need has access to this vital resource.

For more information about becoming a blood donor or how to support NYBCe, visit nybc.org.

Andrea Cefarelli, MPA, is senior vice president, corporate communications and public affairs for New York Blood Center Enterprises. She leads engagement with external stakeholders, internal and external communications, fundraising, government and community relations.

Kerry Jessani, MBA, serves as the head of nonprofit healthcare banking and deputy head of specialized industries within J.P. Morgan’s Commercial Banking business. Her team, which serves distinct industry verticals that necessitate specialized banking coverage, provides bespoke financial solutions and facilitates access to J.P. Morgan's comprehensive, global capabilities.