Fresenius Kabi in Lake Zurich celebrates blood collectors week

Fresenius Kabi in Lake Zurich and AABB are celebrating Blood Collectors Week Sept. 2-8.

This milestone honors the lifesaving work and contributions of blood collectors. These professionals each day serve as the vital link between blood donors and patients who count on blood transfusions for a multitude of serious medical conditions including cancer, organ transplants or following an accident or other trauma.

Blood Collectors Week was co-created by AABB and Fresenius Kabi and is sponsored by AABB. AABB is the global association for individuals and institutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, cellular therapies and patient blood management. Fresenius Kabi is a global health care company that specializes in medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition.

During this honorary week, more than 200 blood centers across the U.S. will host celebrations and tributes. Participating blood centers and donors are encouraged to submit success stories online, bloodcollectors.org, to highlight those who have gone above and beyond in supporting the nation's blood supply or in creating a positive donor experience.

"AABB is pleased to partner, once again, with Fresenius Kabi on Blood Collectors Week, an important time to honor the valiant work of the people who help keep the blood supply safe and adequate," said Debra BenAvram, CEO of AABB.

"This week, we herald the immense skill, dedication and care with which blood collectors bring to making blood, an essential therapy, safe and readily available to the many patients who rely on transfusions each day," said Dean Gregory, president, medical devices at Fresenius Kabi USA. "We're pleased to partner again with AABB to recognize the many blood collection professionals in the U.S. who play an important role in saving patients' lives."