NATIONAL POLICIES RELATIVE TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAMMA GLOBULIN

Abstract

IT IS UNUSUAL in governmental procedure for a defense mobilization agency to be concerned with the civilian distribution of a biological such as gamma globulin. This procedure came about in the following manner. Shortly after the start of the Korean War, in 1950, there was a sudden demand for large quantities of whole blood for our combat troops. It soon became apparent also that a program of blood collections for the production of dried plasma for stockpiling should be developed. The National Security Resources Board requested the American Red Cross to assume this responsibility as it had done during World War II and, in addition, to plan for the collection of blood for a stockpile for civil defense needs. In April, 1951, after the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the establishing of the Office of Defense Mobilization, the health resources activities of the National Security Resources Board were transferred