Celebrate Black History Month: 'Blood History, Our History' Blood Drive

In celebration of Black History Month in February, BCP is hosting a “Blood History, Our History” blood drive to encourage at least 86 people to give blood on Saturday, February 25, 2012, from 10am to 4pm in Oakland’s Jack London Square area.

Why 86? “That number is significant because it’s been 86 years since, Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated Negro History Week to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history,” said Fred McFadden, Diversity Blood Donor Program Specialist at BCP. “Through blood donation we as African-Americans can make a lifesaving contribution to chronically-transfused sickle cell and other patients here in our community.”

About 98 percent of people suffering from sickle cell anemia are African-American, and patients with the disease may need 15 to 25 blood transfusions each year. Usually, the safest blood for them to receive comes from other African-Americans. To mark Black History Month, we need 86 heroes to help save lives by donating blood.

To add to the family fun and festivities, there will be free food, art workshops for the kids, raffle prizes, and more. There will be live performances by VIPete, Obiwok, Kevin Pride and (guitarist) Eric Swinderman.

All blood donors will receive a free movie ticket to any Regal Cinema and a T-shirt, and are eligible to win a football signed by Oakland Raiders’ wide receiver Denarius Moore. And as if that weren’t enough, all blood donors will also get a chance to meet R+B recording artist and former American Idol finalist La Toya London!

The “Blood History, Our History” blood drive is sponsored by BCP, in partnership with: Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland, Sickle Cell Community Advisory Council, Sickle Cell Disease Soldier Network, Black MBA Association, The Links, Incorporated, Oakland Technical High School, National Marrow Donor Program, American Diabetes Association, California Transplant Donor Network, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity , Elan of Eulalia and Riovida Networks.

What: “Blood History, Our History” Blood Drive and Black History Month Celebration When: Saturday, February 25, 10am to 4pm Where: The Quad in Jack London Square, 525 4th St., Oakland

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit www.bloodheroes.com and enter sponsor code: HISTORY, or call Fred McFadden at (415) 354-1381.