One of the most valuable and necessary resources in any community is blood, and this holds especially true for many in the Memphis area.
"Memphis hospitals require 100,000 units (pints) of blood a year and we only produce about 60 percent of that through donations," said Jennifer Guarino, Lifeblood communications manager.
Lifeblood will be hosting its first annual Black History Month Hope for Healing Blood Drive all month long at the Auto Zone Lifeblood Donor Center, located on campus.
"Many African Americans are uneducated about the process of giving blood and we want to change that," said Terez Wilson, chair of the blood drive. "This month we are really trying to push African Americans to do something for each other."
In the Memphis area African Americans consume 65 percent of the community blood supply, but only donate about 15 percent.
"African Americans are especially susceptible to sickle cell anemia," Guarino said. "The primary way this disease is treated is by giving the patient a monthly blood transfusion."
Sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that affects one in 350 African Americans, causes sickle-shaped red blood cells to form in the blood stream. These sickle cells greatly inhibit blood flow and damage tissues, bones and organs.
Blood transfusions help oxygenate affected areas and alleviate the painful symptoms associated with the disease.
"I go in for a transfusion once a month and receive two units of blood," said Sherry Brown, a sickle cell patient. "The treatment is a lifelong, continuous process and if I didn't have it I would be in a great deal of pain."
Memphis hosts one of the largest treatment centers for sickle cell anemia and has thousands of patients that need blood each month.
"Our goal for the month is to raise 300 units, that's about the amount of blood needed each day at local hospitals," Guarino said. "All blood donated stays in the local community."
The actual blood giving process only takes about 10 minutes and is relatively simple, according to Lifeblood.
Blood donors must be in good physical health, age 17 or older, weigh at least 110 lbs. and provide identification. Officials also recommend that donors eat four to six hours before donating.
When asked if the process was painful Wilson replied, "no, it doesn't hurt."
The Auto Zone Lifeblood Donor Center is located directly above the campus bookstore and will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
"We really need all the help we can get to provide hope for patients in this community," Guarino said.
