Blood Drive in Bronzeville Highlights Need for Diverse Donors in Chicago

The American Red Cross and Northwestern Medicine held a community blood drive on Monday at the newly opened Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The event aimed to encourage blood donations from diverse community members, especially African American, Latino, and Asian American donors, according to Tammy Winchester, the American Red Cross of Illinois’ emerging markets manager.

Donors gathered at 4822 S. Cottage Grove Ave., responding to the call for increased participation among groups often underrepresented in blood donation. The need for donors from varied backgrounds is critical, as closely matched blood types are vital for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, organ transplants, and trauma care. Diverse donations are particularly important for people living with sickle cell disease—a condition that affects about 100,000 people in the United States, the vast majority of whom are Black, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sharon Brooks, a Chicago resident who previously received blood transfusions to treat anemia, was among those donating on Monday. Brooks emphasized her desire to give back to others in need. Organizers noted that barriers such as lack of education, accessibility, and fear of needles contribute to lower donation rates in some communities, but stressed the life-saving impact a single donation can have.

Kimbra Bell, director of the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center, underscored that each donation helps save lives, whether for community members undergoing surgery, children with sickle cell disease, or trauma patients in urgent need.

The Chicago blood drive represents ongoing efforts to diversify the regional donor pool. Event organizers continue to urge community participation to address persistent shortages and better serve patients with specific and urgent blood needs.