Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s African-Americans Commit for Life initiative is a program that aims to increase blood donations in the African-American community - for individuals like Paul.

Paul's story

No one exemplifies patient blood needs better than Paul. Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia as a baby, Paul has received blood transfusions all his life. Thanks to blood donors, Paul is in college and fulfilling his dreams of becoming a music producer and businessman. Click here for Paul's awareness ad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why should African-Americans Commit for Life?

Less than 5 percent of the community donates blood. Of that percentage, less than 8 percent are African-American. There is a great need for more African-American blood donors. Patients with conditions like Sickle Cell Anemia often rely on donors of the same race or ethnicity to provide specially matched blood, so donations are especially important in this community.

Additionally, the Texas Gulf Coast as a whole requires more than 800 blood donations every day to help those in need, including individuals undergoing surgery, patients battling cancer and even premature babies that must receive blood to gain strength.

Individuals who Commit for Life are essential to meeting this general need, since it is the blood on the shelf that helps save lives. Every blood donation helps save as many as three lives.

How do I Commit for Life?