DONOR ATTITUDES ABOUT EXPORTING AND IMPORTING BLOOD

BACKGROUND: The movement of blood among different areas of the United States and the collection of more blood than is needed locally in some areas are increasing. Little is known of donors' attitudes about this blood resource sharing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: One thousand donors from five regions of the American Red Cross Blood Services were survey ed by telephone. Demographic information about the donors and the regi ons was obtained, and the donors were asked to describe their attitude s about blood resource sharing as well as other blood donation-related issues. RESULTS: Donors are not very knowledgeable about whether thei r community is self-sufficient in its blood supply. In regions that im port blood, 29 to 43 percent of donors believed that enough blood was collected to meet all local needs, and, in regions that export blood, only 22 to 24 percent of donors believed that more than enough blood w as collected. About three-fourths of the donors believed it acceptable to send their blood to other communities if it is needed there. Howev er, this attitude was based on the premise that all local needs would be met first. Only 4 percent of donors would be less willing to donate if their blood was being sent to another community. CONCLUSION: Donor s are not very aware of blood resource sharing but are willing, under certain circumstances, to donate blood for use outside their local com munities.