The Vital Importance of Blood Banks

This chapter explores the history and necessity of blood banks since the late 1930s, underlining the ethical duty to manage blood supply efficiently to avoid wastage. It discusses the significance of refrigeration in blood storage, reasons for global blood unit discards, and the low percentage of blood donors compared to voter turnout. The chapter also addresses the decline in blood donations over the past two decades, worsened by events like the COVID-19 pandemic and past industry scandals.