Press Releases

MILWAUKEE, WI – The National Anemia Action Council (NAAC) announced today the launch of a new online tutorial Anemia & Blood Donation on their website, www.anemia.org.

The Anemia & Blood Donation tutorial is intended for blood donors who have been deferred because of a low blood count and the professionals who work with them. It contains information about the possible causes of a low blood count, potential treatments, and also stresses the importance of communicating a low blood count with a doctor. A blood count below normal levels is also known as anemia.

Every month at least one million people visit local blood drives and donation centers in the United States. Unfortunately, about 10% of them are not allowed to donate because their blood count falls below the acceptable level set by the FDA. These deferred donors are often sent on their way with little or no advice. With the right information, however, they can learn how to raise their blood counts, stay healthy, and try to donate again.

The new tutorial provides this information. For example, an iron deficiency is one common cause of anemia which may have simple treatments to help donors raise their blood counts – like eating more nutrient-rich foods and taking an iron supplement.

A low blood count can also be caused by more serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease or other invisible conditions of the digestive tract, like colon cancer. Many people may be aware they have these conditions, but for others, a low blood count could be the first warning sign. It is important to discuss a low blood count with a doctor to try to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment options.

NAAC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing expert, in-depth information about anemia to medical professionals, patients, caregivers, students, researchers, writers and the media. Dedicated to raising awareness of the prevalence, symptoms, consequences, and treatment options of anemia through education, the organization offers many services on its website, www.anemia.org.

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CONTACT:
Susan Geiger
NAAC Executive Director
sgeiger@anemia.org

Last Updated: February 26, 2009