Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PHOENIX (Jan. 18, 2019) — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give at the Omega Psi Phi blood drive Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the George Gervin Prep Academy, 2801 E. Southern Ave. The blood drive also honors the legacy of Dr. Charles Drew who was a member of Omega Psi Phi.
Dr. Drew, known as the “father of the blood bank,” was a surgeon, educator, scientist and the first African-American blood specialist who helped shape the blood services industry. In the 1940s, he laid the groundwork for today’s modern blood donation program through his innovative work in blood banking. The Red Cross blood program started in 1940, under the leadership of Dr. Drew who became the first Red Cross medical director in 1941.
Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Patients are less likely to experience complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity.
This blood drive will help the blood supply recover from a donation shortfall over the winter holidays that prompted the Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood donors to give now.
To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS, use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, or visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code OmegaPsiPhi.
How to donate blood
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.