Assemblymember Rodriguez Introduces Urgent Legislation to Immediately Address Critical Blood Supply Shortage
(Sacramento, CA) This week Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, introduced AB 1709 which will provide a $500 net tax credit for individuals that donate blood four or more times in a calendar year. This bill would also encourage the California Office of Emergency Services to seek partnerships with the private sector to provide additional incentives to help alleviate the current blood shortage crisis.
"It is alarming that California has reached crisis level in its blood supply, a position no one in an emergency should have to face. I have introduced legislation to quickly provide needed relief to the supply. The solution is simple; those who can donate blood, should. The impact of a blood donation right now is immense and Californians can do something positive for our health care workers and those who are sick or injured. I urge every eligible Californian to sign up for a donation today," stated Assemblymember Rodriquez.
“I also want to join those who are calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including the American Red Cross and dozens of LGBTQ+ organizations, to end its donor eligibility restrictions based on sexual orientation” added Assemblymember Rodriguez.
In early January, the American Red Cross declared its first-ever nationwide blood crisis after it said the organization now faces its worst blood shortage in over a decade. The Red Cross supplies roughly 40% of the nation's blood supply and said recently it has only been able to meet one-quarter of the need. Several factors are contributing to the shortage, including canceled donation drives and staffing limitations.