In honor of Black History Month this February, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors, and especially those who have recovered from COV1D-19, to give blood to honor the legacies of African Americans like Dr. Charles Drew and Dr. Jerome Holland. Their passion for helping improve the lives of patients in need of lifesaving blood products is carried on through dedicated blood donors, blood drive sponsors, volunteers and Red Cross employees.

Drew, an African American surgeon, was the medical director of the first Red Cross blood bank in 1941. Drew’s research about the 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.

Donors have the ability to create a legacy of their own simply by rolling up a sleeve to give blood, platelets or plasma to help patients in need. COV1D-19 survivors are especially needed to address a convalescent plasma shortage. These individuals may have antibodies in their plasma that could help patients currently battling the virus.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 16-28

Pierce County

Ellsworth 2/22/2021: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pierce County Fairgrounds, 364 N Maple Elmwood 3/3/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Elmwood High School, 213 South Scott Street River Falls 3/11/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Legion Post 121 River Falls, 701 N Main 3/12/2021: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., American Legion Post 121 River Falls, 701 N Main Spring Valley 2/26/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Spring Valley Area Ambulance, S407 Newman Avenue