FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Puget Sound Blood Center Reassures Community

DECEMBER 31, 2002, Seattle – Recognizing that donors and patients may have concerns about the recent Associated Press story on the American Red Cross, a Puget Sound Blood Center official reassured the community that, because the Blood Center is an independent organization, it is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.

“In light of the recent news about FDA concerns regarding the American Red Cross Blood Program and the fact that these reports may have raised apprehension among local donors and patients, the Puget Sound Blood Center would like to reassure the community that its policies and procedures have been developed to assure compliance with FDA and other applicable regulations,” said Dr. Thomas Price, Medical Director at the Blood Center. “All of our processes have been developed to optimize the safety of the blood supply.”

Puget Sound Blood Center is an independent, volunteer-supported non-profit regional organization that provides blood and tissue services, research and education of high quality and value to the community.

The Blood Center serves 70 hospitals and medical facilities in the 14 county region, which includes: San Juan County, Island County, Whatcom County, Skagit County, Snohomish County, King County, Kitsap County, Mason County, Clallum County, Jefferson County, Thurston County, Lewis County, Clark County, Cowlitz County.

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