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

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 1, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Utah is calling on community members to honor the significant contributions of African Americans to the Red Cross during Black History Month this February by showing support through blood donations, volunteer work or financial contributions.

“Throughout its history, the American Red Cross has been enriched by the remarkable contributions of African Americans,” said Michael Smauldon, the Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter, and the first Black Red Cross Chapter Executive Director in Utah. “As we celebrate the achievements and legacies of past generations, it's important that we also give back to improve the lives of those in our community.”

The Red Cross pays tribute to pioneering individuals whose work continues to shape the organization's humanitarian mission:

• 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, who became the first African American chair of the Red Cross Board of Governors in 1979, was an advocate for blood research. His dedication to ensuring the safest possible blood products laid the foundation for many safeguards the Red Cross employs today, benefiting both patients and donors.

Highlighting the importance of Black blood donors
Sickle cell disease predominantly affects patients of African descent, and these patients may require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives. While donors from any racial or ethnic group can be a match for a sickle cell patient, one in three African Americans possess unique blood characteristics that best match those with sickle cell disease.

Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell disease, potentially increasing the demand for lifesaving blood transfusions. “Ensuring the availability of closely matched blood products to alleviate their pain is a treatment concern that patients should not have to face,” Smauldon said.

Currently, the Red Cross is dealing with a nationwide emergency blood shortage, due to a 20-year low in the number of blood donors. This ongoing shortage could threaten treatments for patients who rely on blood transfusions. The Red Cross plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's blood supply, contributing approximately 40% of all collected blood. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About Black History Month
The origins of Black History Month date back to 1926 with a week-long celebration of Black history and culture. Celebrated on college campuses and community centers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Black History Month received a Presidential proclamation in 1976, designating February as a month dedicated to honoring the contributions of African Americans.

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 follow us on social media.