Pint Size Heroes

The Red Cross knows how important it is to educate young people, to ensure tomorrow's donors are ready to roll up their sleeves when the time comes. This program includes educational sessions for students and school-sponsored blood drives. Contact Nancy Firth for more information about this program.

Partners for Life

Partners for Life serves to unify under one banner a number of community-based programs that will aid in increasing the number and frequency of minority donors, educate and raise awareness on the importance of blood donation, and dispel the myths that surround the minority community about blood donation.

Diversity Task Force (DTF): The DTF is a group of volunteers and community leaders that work to meet the objectives of Partners for Life and who recognize the need to increase donations among ethnic minorities and are willing to commit their support to the ARC in achieving this goal. Thecommittee serves as an advisory board and further assists in disseminating key messages within communities about the importance of blood donations.

DTF Committees

SPEAKERS BUREAU/ RECIPIENTS:

Available to appear when needed for presentations, speeches and other functions as a Partners for Life spokesperson. Must be educated on the need for blood, requirements for blood donation, mission of Partners for Life, and importance of minority donors. Examples of what this committee is working on are PowerPoint training for all members who want to be trained as volunteer presenters.

FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE:

Educates and raises awareness in churches and other faith organizations throughout the community on the need for minority blood donations. Available for presentations, hosts blood drives and recruits prospective donors for blood region. Examples of what this committee is working on is the annual "Power in the Blood " campaign, which brings together members from diverse groups together for the common goal of donating.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS:

Recruits donors within their organizations and groups. Coordinates and promotes blood drives in the community and organization. Examples of events that this committee is working on are The "Charles Drew Pin Campaign" as well as the annual blood challenge between the Pan-Hellenic sororities and fraternities.

MARKETING/SPECIAL EVENTS:

Responsible for coordination of special events for Partners for Life, including recognition events, collaborations, etc. Helps with media and publicity to create awareness and education on the need for blood and participation of minority donors. Examples of what this committee is working on is supporting various blood drives on the Ohio State University campus to increase awareness as well as donations through the help of the media, with public service announcements and shows on UPN 53 and Radio One Stations and Columbus Post.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Partners for Life or if you have any questions about the program, contact Deborah Carvalho at (614) 253-2740, ext. 2480, or toll free at (800) 338-8086 or e-mail CarvalhoD@usa.redcross.org.