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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING IOWA'S BLOOD BANKS AND VOLUNTEERS AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
_____
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Friday, May 8, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me in recognizing the men and women working and
volunteering across Iowa to maintain a critical component of our health
care system: blood donation. Whether they're blood center employees or
volunteer blood donors, these individuals are quite literally rolling
up their sleeves to make a difference in their communities during the
coronavirus outbreak. For that commitment, it is my honor to celebrate
each and every one of them as Iowan of the Week.
The Surgeon General of the United States, Jerome Adams, recently
called upon the public, especially Millennials and Gen Z, to consider
donating blood during this crisis. He and the FDA reiterated that blood
donation is safe and blood centers have been taking extra precautions
to adhere to new CDC guidelines by spacing beds at least six feet
apart, disinfecting surfaces between patient visits, temperature
checking the staff, conducting additional screening of donors, and
encouraging advance scheduling of appointments.
I join the Surgeon General and FDA in calling upon healthy, eligible
Iowans to continue donating blood to maintain a safe, stable, and
adequate community blood supply. Since COVID-19 began to spread in our
country, thousands of blood drives have been cancelled and blood center
donations have slowed significantly, resulting in several hundred
thousand fewer blood donations nationwide. Without increased donor
turnout, the United States will soon face a serious blood shortage.
When disaster strikes or we find ourselves in the midst of a public
health crisis like the coronavirus outbreak, it is the blood on the
shelves that saves lives. It's part of our nation's readiness to face
this challenge head on. Not only are health care professionals caring
for those affected by COVID-19, but they're also still working 24/7
caring for cancer patients, trauma victims, and those in need of
surgery. The need for blood is constant. One standard donation--an act
that takes a few minutes--can save up to three lives and helps maintain
the community blood supply.
Donated blood is an essential part of caring for patients, and every
blood center in the country is affected by this pandemic. I encourage
every healthy, eligible Iowan to make an appointment to donate blood at
their local blood center in the coming weeks. Remember: it is safe to
donate blood; blood centers are taking every precaution to protect
Workers and donors; there have been no reported or suspected cases of
transfusion-transmitted COVID-19; and donating blood will not lower
your immune system. It's normal to feel fear during this time of
uncertainty, but Iowans can be sure their blood donation will make a
positive impact in our fight against this disease.
I applaud our local blood center employees at places like LifeServe
who are putting their community first by still going into work each
day; their dedication and bravery in the face of coronavirus is
inspiring. I also applaud local blood donors who, by no exaggeration,
are saving the lives of their neighbors in need. Both are nothing short
of heroic, and it is my honor to recognize them as Iowans of the Week.
____________________