Abbott, Music Saves Lives partner to encourage organ donation

Global healthcare company Abbott has partnered with the non-profit organisation Music Saves Lives to encourage young adults to consider becoming life-long donors.

Millions of lives are saved each year through blood transfusions. The need for blood is great: approximately every two seconds, someone in the US requires a blood transfusion.

Nearly 40% of the US are eligible to donate blood, yet less than 10% do so annually, putting a huge strain on hospitals and clinics to find enough blood for patients.

"The demand for blood persists even as the repeat donor population continues to decrease. Abbott has joined forces with Music Saves Lives to encourage young people to become donors to help make sure that we have an ample blood supply for many years to come."

Brian Blaser, executive vice president, Diagnostics Products, Abbott.

Abbott and Music Saves Lives are launching the Very Important Donor (VID) Club to use music as a means to encourage involvement in the blood donation process. Through social media channels, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, members can learn more about the musicians who support the effort to engage life-long donors and how these donations impact people's lives.

"To work hand-in-hand with a like-minded organization such as Abbott allows us to advance our mission and share our message with more people. Together, we will empower and create the next life-saving generation."

Russel Hornbeek, founder and president, Music Saves Lives.