Rep. Natalie Manley to Host Annual Blood Drive in Honor of International Women’s Day, Encouraging Donor Diversity

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ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is partnering with the American Red Cross and local legislators to host an annual blood drive in recognition of International Women’s Day. This year, Rep. Manley is asking for donor participation from diverse ethnicities in an effort to address the urgent need for compatible matches for those who have rare blood types, especially people with Sickle Cell Disease.

The blood drive is scheduled for Monday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1293 Windham Pkwy. in Romeoville. International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year.

According to the American Red Cross, the best blood type match for patients with rare blood types often comes from donors of the same race or similar ethnicity. This year, Rep. Manley is calling on donors from all ethnicities to help match the donor diversity to the patient diversity.

While not the only rare blood, Sickle Cell is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S., mostly affecting individuals of African descent. People with Sickle Cell Disease may need as many as 100 units of blood each year, because blood transfusions help relieve pain, and prevent other complications, such as liver and organ damage, and even strokes.

However, patients with Sickle Cell Disease need to receive the most compatible match possible. One in three African American blood donors is a match for a patient with Sickle Cell Disease, according to the American Red Cross.

“When it comes to matching blood types, ethnicity matters,” Rep. Manley said. “We are calling on donors who descend from all over the globe to give an hour of their time in order to save someone’s life.”

The blood drive aims to address the ongoing need for blood donations and highlights the importance of not only women’s health, but also the need for ethnic diversity within the donor base.

According to the American Red Cross:

• There are more than 300 antigens that determine blood type, beyond the main four: A, B, AB, O
• More than 100,000 people in the U.S. have Sickle Cell Disease
• Sickle Cell Disease affects 1 of 365 Black or African American births
• Sickle Cell is not limited to people of African descent
• Rep. Manley is challenging the community to join the “30 Unit Challenge” and help reach the goal of donating 30 units of blood or more.

“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of women,” said Rep. Manley. “What better way to honor that than by giving the gift of life? Blood donation is a vital act that directly impacts women’s health, from supporting women through childbirth to helping those battling illness. I encourage everyone to join us in this important effort and help us reach our 30 unit goal.”

All members of the community are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Please call or text Rep. Manley’s District Office at 815-725-2741 to schedule your appointment. Or, anyone can schedule an appointment on the www.redcross.org site directly by searching “Find a Blood Drive” in zip code 60446 on March 9 at the 1293 Windham Pkwy. address.