African-Americans make up 1 percent of volunteer blood donors nationwide; however, Arkansas Blood Institute hopes to change that by conducting an African-American Blood Donor Challenge during February, Black History month.
Healthy adults, 16 and older, can typically give and will receive a Blood Donor Challenge T-shirt. Sixteen-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission. Seventeen-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, while people 18 and up must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Blood given with the local, nonprofit blood center saves the lives of patients in 23 Arkansas hospitals every day, a spokesman said. Appointments to give are not required but can be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org