Red Cross told to fix blood collection or face charges

15 years after warnings issued, few changes made to ensure safety By STEPHANIE STROM New York Times For 15 years, the American Red Cross has been under a federal court order to improve the way it collects and processes blood. Yet, despite $21 million in fines since 2003 and repeated promises to follow procedures intended to ensure the safety of America's blood supply, it continues to fall short. The situation has proved so frustrating that in January the commissioner of food and drugs attended a Red Cross board meeting — a first for a commissioner — and warned members that they could face criminal charges for their continued failure to bring about compliance, according to three Red Cross officials who attended the meeting. They requested anonymity because Red Cross policy prohibits public discussion of its meetings with... [read full story]