Local organizations team up for minority blood drive

Versiti Indiana Blood Center and Innovative Hematology’s Cascade program are teaming up to host a minority blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Greater Northwest Baptist Church in Indianapolis. “In Indiana, only about half of one percent of donated blood comes from Black Americans,” according to a statement released by the event’s organizers. For minorities, in addition to receiving blood donations that match their blood type, it is also important for the blood to match other markers, according to the American Red Cross. Some antigens, the substance found on red blood cells, are specific to certain racial and ethnic groups. Blood donor (Adobe Stock) People who receive frequent blood transfusions, like those with sickle cell disease, need the most compatible blood match possible. Sickle cell is a disease that is common among African Americans, and one in three Black blood donors are a match for people with the disease. Event organizers said blood that does not closely match can be rejected by the body and lead to health complications which contributes to the urgent need for Black and minority donors. The Greater Northwest Baptist Church is located at 3402 W. 62nd Street, Indianapolis 46268....