February is regarded as the month where a special day for love is commemorated, however all month long Black History Month is celebrated. The American Red Cross is committed to helping the community and collecting blood donations to aid others. However, are you aware of the history of blood donation? Dr. Charles R. Drew came up with the idea of blood transfusion. Dr. Charles Drew created a method to provide life-saving blood plasma to soldiers hurt in combat during World War II. Drew, who is referred to as “the father of blood banking,” had a crucial role in the development of methods for transporting and storing blood.

At the American Red Cross, majority of the nation relies on this organization to donate and receive blood for those in need. But none of this would have been possible without Dr. Charles R. Drew, who helped to influence the use of blood plasma. During World War II, he oversaw two of the biggest blood banks. He focused on creating a blood bank that would be accessible to American military members. But not long after starting this, Drew grew angry because the military wanted to separate the blood donated by African Americans. The military first opposed using African American blood, but they subsequently changed their minds and said it could only be used for African American soldiers.

In highlight of it being Black History Month, it is also important to share why it is important to increase how many African Americans donate blood. There are four main categories of blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Some people need a blood type match that is even closer than the common blood types. A patient may develop antibodies if they receive a transfusion that is not a close match. The most compatible match should be given to people who frequently need blood transfusions, such as sickle cell disease patients.

Sickle cell disease is a common blood disease that affects African Americans. This disease causes red blood cells to change from being soft and round to being hard and crescent-shaped, which makes it harder for blood to flow properly and carry oxygen throughout the body. Blood transfusions increase the body’s supply of healthy red blood cells, which helps to reduce discomfort during an emergency and can help prevent other issues. A sickle cell disease patient can get a blood match from one in three African Americans who donate blood. At this moment African Americans make up 13% of the population, yet only 5% make up blood donors at the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information about volunteering or contributing to the Red Cross’s mission, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.