Give blood during February

February is Black History Month. Every year, African Americans make critical contributions to helping the American Red Cross maintain a stable and diverse blood supply for patients across the United States.

The contributions African Americans have made to blood banking over the years go beyond donating blood. In 1941, Dr. Charles Drew, and African-American blood specialist, surgeon, educator and scientist, became the first medical director of the first American Red Cross blood bank. His pioneering work in blood collection and transfusion laid the foundation for modern blood banking.

Help the Red Cross celebrate the contributions of Drew and African American blood donors across the nation by making an appointment to donate blood.

Following are the upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• Monday, February 14 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Armory, 311 Broadway in Alexandria.

• Monday, February 21 – Noon to 6 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas in Alexandria.

• Tuesday, February 22 – Noon to 6 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

To donate, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for information. All blood types are needed.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate.

Tags: red cross, life, blood, donate