MEDFORD, Mass. (Feb. 1) — During Black History Month, the American Red Cross honors the significant achievements of Black Americans and the vital role blood donations from individuals who are Black play in meeting the transfusion needs of patients and those with sickle cell disease. Donors are urged to book a time to give blood or platelets this month to prevent a shortage in the weeks ahead.

With the theme “Black Excellence Is In Our Blood,” the Red Cross also commemorates the vibrant legacies of history makers whose contributions continue to advance our communities and lifesaving mission:

• Dr. Charles R. Drew, a surgeon and pioneer of modern blood banking, was named the first medical director of the Red Cross National Blood Collection Program in 1941. His work with the Red Cross helped save the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians during World War II and his efforts to increase the blood supply led to the use of bloodmobiles and other collection, preservation and distribution processes still used today.
• Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and civil rights leader, helped usher in a sustained presence of Black Americans in the mission of the Red Cross. She hosted blood drives and encouraged African American women to staff canteens. During World War II, Dr. Bethune served as director of the Florida Chapter of the Red Cross. She advocated for employment opportunities, disaster relief and diverse representation on Red Cross regional and national boards.
• Dr. Jerome Holland, educator and former U.S. ambassador to Sweden, continued the legacies of Dr. Drew and Dr. Bethune when he was appointed as the first African American chairman of the Red Cross Board of Governors in 1979. Dr. Holland championed excellence in blood services through innovative technology, which resulted in increased blood donations and research of hereditary diseases.
• Gwen T. Jackson began her Red Cross career in 1961 as a volunteer in the Service to Military Families Department of the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of the American Red Cross. By 1988 she had risen to one of the highest volunteer positions in the organization – National Chair of Volunteers. Her leadership accomplishments during her four years in the national-level position were nothing shy of extraordinary. While serving as the National Chair of Volunteers, Mrs. Jackson coined the phrase, “Paid staff get a paycheck and volunteer staff get a payback.” She was honored for her 50 years of volunteer leadership with the establishment of the Gwen T. Jackson Leadership Endowment.
• Steve Bullock, former CEO of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Red Cross, served as our Acting President in 1999. He enjoyed a distinguished career with the Red Cross. He was named chief executive officer and chapter manager of the Greater Cleveland Chapter in 1982. Prior to assuming this position, he worked for the Red Cross in military installations in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Mr. Bullock also previously served as executive director of the agency's St. Paul, MN chapter. In 1988, Steve Bullock was named chairman of the president's advisory committee, a group of senior Red Cross field executives who counsel top management on issues facing the organization. Another highlight of his career occurred in 1995 when Mr. Bullock was appointed to head the 1996 national American Red Cross campaign. Mr. Bullock received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Sociology at Virginia Union University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration at the College of St. Thomas. He has also done graduate work in urban administration; attended the American Red Cross Executive Development Institute; and is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland.

Commemorate Black History Month by rolling up a sleeve to give blood or platelets. Use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment today. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Feb. 1-28, will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Join the Red Cross in elevating Black Excellence during Black History Month: Discover and support Black-owned businesses on Amazon! Plus, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida, including a three-night hotel stay, round-trip airfare, a $750 gift card and more.*

To help keep blood on the shelves this winter, donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give at the following blood drives, or find additional blood donation opportunities on our website:

February 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Waymark Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1048 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester

February 14, 12 to 5 p.m.

Westgate Mall, 200 Westgate Drive, Brockton (located in the former store next to Olympia Sports)

February 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Randolph InterGenerational Center, 128 Pleasant St, Randolph

February 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

#ThroughThePain at the Residence Inn, 2001 Washington Street, Roxbury

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/heart.