RALEIGH, N.C. - African-Americans have certain rare blood types, such as U-negative and Duffy-negative, that are unique only to African-American Ancestry, making donating blood all the more important to African-American medical patients. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has partnered with the American Red Cross in making the 56th Annual CIAA Basketball Tournament a forum for this message to be spread.
The American Red Cross will have a mobile unit set up outside the Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena on Friday, March 2, 2001. All blood donors will receive a free mini-health screen, which includes pulse and blood pressure checks. CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry has emphasized the importance of supporting and partnering with the American Red Cross as a result of the ongoing need for critical blood transfusions, not only for African-Americans, but everyone.
"African-American's have higher frequencies for O and B blood types, which are the most utilized blood types in the country, so we can help" said Kerry, who is also a donor. "Seasonal shortages for blood products could be reduced if more minority communities, especially African-Americans were to become frequent blood donors. I feel that the CIAA tournament is a terrific forum for this message to be heard. It's very important."
The CIAA will also be emphasizing the importance of hosting blood drives. Blood drives are the main way the American Red Cross keeps their shelves stocked for instances when they are called upon. African-Americans have a high incidence of sickle cell anemia, cancer, heart disease and organ transplants, all of which could require blood transfusions. For more information, please call 757-446-7774 or 919-231-1602.
Visit www.ciaa2001.com for ticket information and tournament results as it unfolds. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the CIAA offices directly at 757-865-0071.