HHS unveils resources to encourage blood, plasma donations

In light of a national blood shortage, the Department of Health and Human Services this week released a series of resources to encourage the public to donate blood and plasma. HHS is providing an overview of how blood and plasma is donated, with factoids explaining differences and similarities, along with pages on blood donation and plasma donation, with step-by-step instruction on how to give blood, as well as information on eligibility and potential side effects and what to do about them. Hospitals and health systems are encouraged to share these resources with their staff and community.