Office of the Comptroller

The Annual American Red Cross' Charles Drew Blood Drive held Friday, Aug. 19th was a huge success! This blood drive sponsored by Comptroller Darlene Green commemorates the work of Dr. Drew, an African American who pioneered discovering ways to preserve donated blood.

The goal this year for the annual drive was to get at least 33 pints of blood. City Hall employees helped to surpass that giving 36 pints. Alicia Smith, Program Manager Diversity Initiative for the ARC said this year's annual drive brought in six first time donors. She also said that they had to turn some prospects away for these reasons.

"Iron deficiencies are major, especially in women when it comes time to give blood. Women should have at least a 12.5 iron rate when they come in to donate. High blood pressure is another reason people are turned down. You don't want to top out over 180 or bottom out over 100. Also the kinds of medications people take are important to know when giving blood. Make sure you let the Red Cross know what you are taking when you come to these kind of events," said Smith.

August is the toughest time of the year for blood donations. The organization depends a great deal on educational institutions which supplies about a third of the nation's blood yearly for the Red Cross. Blood Drives held at City Hall and around the community hopefully help close the gap for low supplies during the summer months.

The Comptroller thanks all the City of St. Louis employees and residents who gave the gift of life. If your department or organization would like to give a Blood Drive, call the American Red Cross today at 1-800-RED CROSS or go to http://www.redcrossblood.org/ .