There is still much controversy about animal advocates
donating to the Red Cross. There is no other group that is prepared to
handle blood donations like the Red Cross does it. But animal advocates
still find the Red Cross' connection to animal research to be
problematic. In an effort to bring you the whole story, please read the
following letter that was sent to a subscriber's query by the Red Cross:
From:
[email protected] (info)
Thank you for writing to the American Red Cross with
your concerns about animals. Some American Red Cross researchers conduct
biomedical experiments
that use laboratory animals. These experiments allow discoveries that
save lives and improve the quality of life for many patients with blood
disorders or other diseases. Animals are used only when no useful
alternative method exists that can provide the needed information. The
animals used are mice, rats and rabbits, all of which are bred and made
available specifically for research. No dogs, cats, or primates (i.e.
monkeys, apes or related species) are used in Red Cross research
programs.
All animal research is carried out in strict compliance
with all federal regulations regarding animal care and use. The Holland
Laboratory animal care program is reviewed at least annually, through
unscheduled visits, by the United States Department of Agriculture to
ensure compliance with federal standards set by the United States
Department of Agriculture and Public Health Service. The laboratory's
animal program is also accredited by the Association for Assessment and
accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC
International), an independent, non-profit organization that reviews
institutional animal programs. Attainment of AAALAC accreditation
demands a high regard for animal well-being and a commitment to
maintaining a quality animal care and use program.
Funding for American Red Cross Research and Development
does not come from
public donations that support disaster response, HIV/AIDS education,
services to the American military, and first aid and CPR training. Over
75% of Red Cross research and development projects that utilize research
animals are funded through the National Institutes of Health and other
non-Red Cross sources. The remainder is supported by American Red Cross
Biomedical Services, which operates on a cost-recovery basis through its
distribution of blood, plasma, and tissue products. Although opponents
of animal research have suggested that refusing to give monetary
donations to the American Red Cross would deter animal research, this is
not the case. Rather, such refusal would, in fact, hinder the ability of
the American Red Cross to respond to human need in case of disaster, to
educate the public in health-related areas, and to assist the American
military personnel stationed here and abroad.
Sincerely,
N. Rebecca Haley, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Biomedical Services
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