PORTER COUNTY | Blood donors from diverse backgrounds can take their place in history by making and keeping an appointment to help save a life during Black History Month.
African-Americans have a distinguished history in shaping blood services programs within the American Red Cross. In the 1940s, medical researcher Dr. Charles Drew laid the groundwork for today's modern blood donation program through his innovative work in blood banking. And the world-renowned Holland Research Laboratory in Rockville, Md., bears the name of educator and U.S.
Ambassador Jerome Holland who streamlined the growth of Red Cross laboratories in the early 1980s.
"African-Americans have played a key role in modern blood banking," said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. "Black History Month is a great way to recognize that legacy, and to encourage donors of all ethnicities to give blood."
African-Americans have the power to make a contribution to America's blood supply since more than 50 percent of people with African descent have type O blood. About 20 percent of African-Americans also have type B blood, which is higher than other populations. Several rare blood types are also unique to the African-American community.
"We need donors of all ethnicities to help meet patient needs," said Whitman adding that the most compatible blood for some seriously ill patients is most likely to come from someone with the same ethnic or genetic background.
"Sometimes, it's that single donation from a particular person that can make a difference in someone's life."
Blood drives
From 2 to 7 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool Road in Portage.
From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus, 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
From 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Union Fire & Rescue, 267 N. County Road 600 West in Valparaiso. All presenting donors will receive a T-shirt.
From 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at South Haven Public Library, located at 403 W. County Road 700 North in Valparaiso.
From 2 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Valparaiso University School of Law, 656 Greenwich St. in Valparaiso. Call (8000 REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "vulaw" to schedule your blood donation appointment.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13 at Washington Evangelical Free Church, 3805 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 6540 Central Ave., Portage.
From 2:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Hebron Elementary School, located at 307 S. Main St. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 19 at Washington Township High School, 381 E. Ind. 2, Valparaiso.
From 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Miller's Senior Living Community, 5911 Lute Road, Portage.
From 2 to 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at Duneland Health and Wellness, 810 Michael Drive, Chesterton.
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 26 at Porter County Career Center, 1005 N. Franklin St., Valparaiso. All presenting donors will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing for an iPod nano.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate, call (800) RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
--For The Times
