Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 4, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Utah is encouraging residents to honor Black History Month by giving blood. The organization is also spotlighting the notable contributions African Americans, such as Dr. Charles Drew and Dr. Jerome Holland, have made to the Red Cross and those who depend on blood transfusions.

“We’re teaming up with civic organizations, church groups, and community and political leaders to encourage blood donation this month, especially from the Black community,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter.

Blood transfusions remain one of the most critical treatments for patients with chronic illnesses, such as sickle cell disease, Lafranca said. “One in three African Americans are a match for people with sickle cell disease, making them especially significant blood donors,” he said.

The Red Cross is urging Utahns to honor the legacies of these trailblazing doctors by donating blood or volunteering:

• Dr. Charles Drew, an African American surgeon, was the medical director of the first Red Cross blood bank in 1941. Drew’s research about storage and shipment of blood plasma proved that blood could be stored for transfusions. Many of the processes he developed are still in use today.
• Dr. Jerome Holland, the first African American chair of the Red Cross Board of Governors in 1979, was passionate about blood research. His commitment to providing the safest possible blood products for patients in need helped inform many safeguards the Red Cross still has in place today, not only to protect patients, but also blood donors.

Schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are urged to book a time now to give blood or platelets to prevent a shortage in the weeks ahead.

Volunteer as a Blood Donor Ambassador at Red Cross blood drives helping greet, check-in, and support blood donors; or as a Transportation Specialist, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact Julie Schwartz at julie.schwartz@redcross.org or 385-258-5310 or visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday.

Give blood in February. Get a reward
Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma to the Red Cross in February will receive a $10 gift card courtesy Amazon.com via email and 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. Details are available at rcblood.org/heart.

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.