Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.  1 blood donation can potentially save 3 lives and now the conversation is towards convalescent plasma donations as a promising therapy for COVID-19, the journey to support during critical times starts with the donor qualification. 

In this episode, Dr. Pampee Young will provide background on the needs and challenges of blood banks and donor centers for blood and plasma supply and practices sharing plans to overcome them.

About our Speaker: 
Dr. Pampee Young. Dr. Young is the Chief Medical Officer of the American Red Cross. In 2018 Dr. Young was a professor of Pathology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she served as the Medical Director of Transfusion Medicine. Dr. Young has over 80 peer-reviewed publications. Her research interests at Vanderbilt were in the field of regenerative medicine using stem cell-based cell therapy and small molecular therapeutics. And currently Dr. Young’s efforts are in research on blood center innovation, product availability and safety.