Press Room @ Remington College Press Room

Remington College-Cleveland West Campus Continues 3 Lives Effort with July 26 Blood Drive

3 Lives campaign highlights the need for minority blood donors

North Olmsted, Ohio- (June 26, 2012) – Remington College-Cleveland West Campus will hold a blood drive on Thursday, July 26 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The blood drive is part of Remington College’s 3 Lives campaign, an effort to increase the number of minority blood donors.

3 Lives and the need for minority blood donors

Remington College has partnered with America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) to raise awareness of the need for minority blood donors. The 3 Lives effort has collected more than 5,000 pints of blood since it began and ABC named Remington College as its 2011 National Partner of the Year.

According to the SCDAA, African American blood donors provide blood with unique antigens that is vital for people battling sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases. For patients requiring frequent transfusions, it’s best for them to receive blood that closely matches their own.

While African Americans have the highest rate of sickle cell, the disease can occur in any race or ethnic group. In the U.S., about one out of every 350 African Americans and one out of every 1,000-1,500 Hispanics inherit sickle cell disease.

3 Lives spokesperson relies on life-saving blood transfusions

Singer AJ Green, spokesperson for the 3 Lives campaign, has been battling sickle cell disease for most of his life. His treatment includes monthly blood transfusions.

“My goal is to get more people of color to become regular blood donors,” said Green. “Minority donors allow me and other sickle cell patients to manage our disease and live our lives.”

Important tips for blood donors

About 10% of people attending a blood drive will not be able to donate because their hemoglobin levels are too low – but that can usually be avoided. Donors are encouraged to add some iron-rich foods to their diet a day or so before giving blood. Good sources of iron include meat, dried beans, peas, bread, pasta, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits or nuts.

Blood collected benefits the local community

While the primary goal of the 3 Lives campaign is to recruit minority donors, everyone is encouraged to attend the drive and donate blood. All the blood collected will be used to help people in the Cleveland area.

Remington College-Cleveland West Campus is located at 26350 Brookpark Rd. in North Olmsted.

For more information, call 1-800-448-6405 or visit www.3Lives.com

About Remington College: Remington College is a common name used by all 20 campuses of a non-profit, post-secondary educational institution with its home office in Heathrow, Florida. Through its campuses, Remington College offers diplomas, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in a variety of fields, including: cosmetology; nursing; healthcare; criminal justice; business; electronics; information technology; and more. Course offerings vary by campus.  For more information, please visit http://www.remingtoncollege.edu/. For the latest news about Remington College, visit http://today.remingtoncollege.edu/.

OH Reg#11-01-1959T

Media contact:

Frank Wolff
Wellons Communications
407-339-0879 office
407-637-6000 cell
Frank@wellonscommunications.com