MACALUSO: Increasing minority blood donations

September 17, 2009 at 12:01pm

For every 100 units of blood donated, fewer than five are donated from the African American and Latino communities, says Slater's Raiders founder Lenzy Blake. Minority communities may have language barriers that lower participation, but fear of needles and transmitting disease is a factor, too. But Blake says it is not a reason to avoid donating blood, since all of the needles are sterile and properly disposed of after each use.

Slater's Raiders and the Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Saturday, September 19, at the North Street Community Center, 700 North Street, from noon to 4 p.m.

"It's important for the African American and Latino communities to know that there is no reason to be afraid of donating blood," Blake says. "Their donation will save lives."

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