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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH
WHEREAS, National Blood Donor Month was a proclamation issued by President Richard Nixon in 1970. Its purpose was to recognize the critical role of blood donation, sustaining the nation’s healthcare system; and,
WHEREAS, before the First World War, blood transfusions were risky and often a fatal procedure due to the lack of knowledge about blood compatibility and coagulation; and,
WHEREAS, during the war, Canadian doctor Lawrence Bruce Robertson pioneered the use of direct transfusion techniques on the battlefield allowing blood to be transferred directly from donor to patient, saving many lives; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Philip Syng Physick performed the first human blood transfusion in 1795, and the first transfusion of human blood for treating hemorrhaging in England in 1818 by Dr. James Blundell; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles R. Drew, an African American surgeon, educator, medical researcher, and one of the pioneers of blood banking during World War II, discovered that plasma had a longer shelf life than blood and could be separated to be used in transfusions. His work saved thousands during World War II and laid the groundwork for long-term blood preservation and storage techniques that have saved countless lives. Dr. Drew was also the first medical director of the American Red Cross blood bank in which he laid the foundation for modern blood banking; and,
WHEREAS, Cook County Health is home to the nation’s first blood bank opened by Dr. Bernard Fantus at Cook County Hospital on March 15, 1937. Dr. Fantus’ work made it possible to provide blood to save the lives of many patents; and,
WHEREAS, Cook County Health now transfuses 800-900 units of blood products per month, helping patients who may need transfusions due to a surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth or a traumatic injury or burn; and,
WHEREAS, the transfusion of red blood cells has become a relatively common procedure. In the United States, around 15 million units are transfused annually, while about 85 million units are transfused worldwide; and,
WHEREAS, maintaining an adequate blood supply is often challenging due to factors such as seasonal fluctuations, unforeseen emergencies, a limited shelf life or certain blood types, and not enough donations from minority groups; and,
WHEREAS, approximately 38% of the country’s population is eligible to donate blood and roughly 10% actually do; and,
WHEREAS, according to the Stanford Blood Center, the average blood donors are college-educated, Caucasian males between the ages of 30 and 50; and,
WHEREAS, according to a study conducted by researchers at Emory University, approximately 78% of blood donations come from white donors, while Black donors supplied about 16%, and other donors of color gave even less; and,
WHEREAS, in America today, 19.5% of all blood donations come from communities of color. Increasing the amount minority blood donors is one of the best ways to support those living with diseases such as sickle cell and other ailments; and,
WHEREAS, blood bank organizations, health care organizations and advocates, and community organizations have dedicated January as a month to strongly advocate for blood donation with an emphasis on the ongoing need for blood and blood products; and,
WHEREAS, the Lifeline: Save Chicago Initiative, in partnership with Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps and the 1st District of Cook County, are dedicated to increasing donor awareness and participation in underserved and underrepresented communities of color. This initiative emphasizes the importance of local blood donations to meet critical needs in these communities; and,
WHEREAS, the Lifeline: Save Chicago Initiative also seeks to partner with schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups to provide education and engagement opportunities, addressing barriers to donation while inspiring a new generation of donors; and,
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Lamekia Davis, Executive Director of Operations, and with the unwavering support of Commissioner Tara Stamps, the Community Blood Center is committed to ensuring that the partnership with Cook County expands outreach, builds trust, and fosters sustainable donor programs in communities that are often disproportionately affected by the need for blood transfusions; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, recognizes January as National Blood Donor Month; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be tendered as a token of awareness, involvement, and action in which the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Cook County Board of Commissioners encourages the donation of blood and blood products often if physically able.
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