Black History Month Marks Importance of Diverse Blood Donors

Blood donors from diverse backgrounds can take their place in history by making and keeping an appointment to help save a life during Black History Month.

African-Americans have a distinguished history in shaping blood services programs within the American Red Cross. In the 1940s, medical researcher Dr. Charles Drew laid the groundwork for today’s modern blood donation program through his innovative work in blood banking. And the world-renowned Holland Research Laboratory in Rockville, Md., bears the name of educator and U.S. Ambassador Jerome Holland who streamlined the growth of Red Cross laboratories in the early 1980s.

“African-Americans have played a key role in modern blood banking,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Black History Month is a great way to recognize that legacy, and to encourage donors of all ethnicities to give blood.”

African-Americans have the power to make a unique contribution to America’s blood supply since more than 50 percent of people with African descent have type O blood. About 20 percent of African-Americans also have type B blood, which is higher than other populations. Several rare blood types are also unique to the African-American community.

“We need donors of all ethnicities to help meet patient needs,” said Whitman adding that the most compatible blood for some seriously ill patients is most likely to come from someone with the same ethnic or genetic background. “Sometimes, it’s that single donation from a particular person that can make a difference in someone’s life.”

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

• Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 2:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Hebron Elementary School, located at 307 S. Main St. in Hebron. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  
• Friday, Feb. 19, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Washington Township High School, located at 381 East SR 2 in Valparaiso.
  
• Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Miller’s Senior Living Community, located at 5911 Lute Road in Portage.
  
• Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Duneland Health and Wellness, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.
  
• Friday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Porter County Career Center, located at 1005 N. Franklin St. in Valparaiso. All presenting donors will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing for an iPod nano.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.