Austin’s Loretto Hospital is hosting its 4th annual Summer Screening Series, a free event that this year focuses on blood donations and kidney health checks.
Officials said that this year, they are highlighting the importance of African-American blood donors to increase collections of Type O blood and to help fight sickle cell disease. The need for donations in this is urgent, they said, because one in three African-American blood donors is a match for patients with sickle cell disease. Statistics show that 51% of African Americans have Type O blood, in contrast with 45% of Caucasians.
“People can directly impact lives in the Austin community, ensuring that patients — especially those with sickle cell disease — receive the life-saving blood they urgently need,” officials said in a statement.
The blood drive and kidney screenings will be held on the 6th floor of the hospital. There will be high blood pressure and diabetes, as well.
A Community Resource Fair also is planned in the parking lot at 645 N. Central Ave. (enter on Harrison Street), and will offer music, fun activities, health education and community resources.
Sponsors include Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Nu Pi Chapter), Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and state Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford. Others include Black Men United, Fathers Who Care, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, and Habilitative Systems, Inc.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Visit the hospital’s website at Lorettohospital.org/summerscreening to learn more.