February is Black History Month and in the spirit of Dr. Charles Drew, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors of all ethnicities how important it is that blood donors are reflective of the patients who need their help. In 1941, Dr. Drew, an African-American blood specialist and surgeon, became the first medical director of the first American Red Cross blood bank. His pioneering work in blood collection and transfusion laid the foundation for modern blood banking.
Many patients are cross matched by blood type and Rh factor prior to transfusion. For some patients, there are other markers within donated
blood that must also be matched for the best outcomes as they are determined exclusively by ethnicity. A diverse blood supply is a stable one.
Approximately 21,000 times a day, patients receive blood from a Red Cross blood donor. All blood types are currently needed to help maintain a sufficient and stable blood supply.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood
products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross 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.
The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™
Blood Donation Opportunities
CARROLL COUNTY
2/20/2012, 11:00 am- 5:00 pm, Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay Street, Mount Carroll
CLINTON COUNTY
2/16/2012, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm, Lyondell Chemical Company, 3400 Anamosa Road, Clinton
HENRY COUNTY
2/17/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Wethersfield High School Key Club, 439 Willard St., Kewanee
2/22/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee
2/28/2012, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Kewanee Central School, 215 E. Central Ave., Kewanee
MERCER COUNTY
2/21/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave., Aledo
2/22/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Alexis Community Center, 204 W. Palmer Ave., Alexis
WHITESIDE COUNTY
2/21/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton
2/22/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls
2/23/2012, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls
2/28/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton
2/29/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls
2/29/2012, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Prophetstown Elementary School, 301 West Third Street, Prophetstown
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