Remington College Lafayette Campus is supporting local patients with blood disorders with its 3 Lives Blood Drive. The event emphasizes the need for minority blood donors and raises awareness of blood disorders.
The drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, in partnership with United Blood Services.
Minority donors – particularly African American donors – are in high demand because they provide blood with unique antigens that are vital for patients with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders.
According to the American Society of Hematology, sickle cell disease affects approximately 70,000 to 100,000 Americans. Approximately 1 in 12 African Americans carry a sickle cell gene, meaning about 8 percent of African Americans are affected by sickle cell trait.
Nationally, Remington College has collected more than 13,900 pints of blood through its 3 Lives Blood Drives. And since one pint of blood can save three lives, that’s enough blood to save more than 41,000 lives.
Even though the focus is on minority blood donors, everyone is encouraged to donate blood at the event. Donors must be 17 years of age or older and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. All the blood collected will go to local hospitals and medical centers to help people in the area.
