Give blood in honor of Black History Month in February

PERU — In honor of Black History Month this February, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors, and especially those who have recovered from COVID-19, to give blood to honor the legacies of African Americans like Dr. Charles Drew. 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. Blood donation appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include
Wednesday 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Illinois Valley Chapter Donation Center, 1530 4th Street Peru
Thursday 8:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Streator Incubator, 401 W. Bridge St. Streator