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

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 8, 2025) — This February, the American Red Cross of Utah is encouraging community members to honor the invaluable contributions of African Americans to the organization’s mission by donating blood, volunteering or contributing financially during Black History Month.

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

Honoring African American Red Cross Trailblazers
The Red Cross pays tribute to pioneering individuals whose extraordinary work continues to shape the organization’s humanitarian mission today.

• Dr. Charles R. Drew, a groundbreaking surgeon, served as medical director of the first Red Cross blood bank in 1941. His pioneering research on blood storage and plasma shipment revolutionized medicine, as many of his processes are still used today. After leaving the Red Cross in 1942, Dr. Drew trained future surgeons at Howard University, mentoring over half of the nation’s Black surgeons from 1941 to 1950—a legacy he called his greatest contribution to medicine.
• Frances Reed Elliott Davis became the first African American to pass the District of Columbia’s advanced nursing exam and was accepted into the Red Cross Town and Country Nursing program in 1918. She worked as a school and home health nurse in rural areas, treating patients, teaching nutrition, and delivering babies when doctors were unavailable.
• Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a visionary educator and civil rights leader, played a vital role in integrating African Americans into the Red Cross’s mission. She advocated for the desegregation of blood donation practices, hosted blood drives, and encouraged African American women to staff canteens. During World War II, she directed the Florida Chapter of the Red Cross, working to provide disaster relief, equitable employment opportunities, and diverse representation on Red Cross boards.
• Jesse O. Thomas, a trailblazing social worker and educator, became the first African American employee at Red Cross national headquarters in 1943. He was instrumental in advancing racial integration across local chapters and advocated for the inclusion of African Americans with advanced degrees in leadership roles. He also increased diversity on Red Cross boards and committees nationwide.
• Steve D. Bullock, a transformational leader, served the Red Cross from 1962 to 1999. Over his career, he rose from assistant field director to become the organization’s first African American national acting president. Mr. Bullock expanded disaster relief and healthcare services in Black and Latino communities, enhanced regional accessibility in diverse neighborhoods, and led international relief efforts.

The Role of African American Donors in Treating Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease, a lifelong condition predominantly affecting people of African descent, often requires regular blood transfusions to manage symptoms and prevent life-threatening complications. While donors of all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to give, many African American donors possess unique blood traits that provide the best match for patients with sickle cell disease.

Seasonal changes can worsen symptoms of sickle cell disease, often leading to pain crises and an increased need for blood transfusions. “Patients with sickle cell disease should never have to worry about the availability of closely matched blood products for their treatment,” said Smauldon.

Donors can find a nearby blood drive or donation center through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Volunteering and Financial Contributions
Supporting Black History Month goes beyond blood donation. The Red Cross offers meaningful volunteer opportunities where individuals can transform lives while fulfilling a personal sense of purpose. Volunteers provide emotional support to disaster survivors, teach lifesaving skills, organize blood drives, and support military families, ensuring help and hope are available wherever they’re needed.

With roles accommodating a variety of skills, interests, and schedules, there is a position for everyone—whether behind the scenes or on the front lines. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to explore available opportunities or make a financial contribution at redcross.org/donate.

About Black History Month
Black History Month originated in 1926 as a week-long celebration of Black history and culture. By the late 1960s, it evolved into a month-long observance celebrated in colleges and communities across the country. In 1976, a Presidential proclamation officially designated February as Black History Month, honoring the impact and contributions of African Americans throughout history.

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.