BloodCenter of Wisconsin is once again hosting its Faith-Based Community Challenge to raise awareness about the need for blood, marrow, organ and tissue donors among the African American community. It is vital for African Americans to become donors of not just blood, but also marrow, organs and tissue, so that other African Americans have a better chance at recovery. The success rate of transfusions and transplants increase when these gifts come from members of the same ethnic background.
The Challenge, which will run from July 8 to Sept. 30, encourages a friendly competition among African American churches to inspire members to become blood donors, or to join the marrow and organ/tissue registries.
Churches will be grouped by three tiers based on similar membership size. The winning congregation from each tier will receive a $1,500 scholarship for an individual of its choosing. On October 25, the winners will be recognized at a celebration event.
All participating churches will have the opportunity to take part in three community-wide drives to be held in July, August and September as part of the challenge. They include:
Thursday, July 26 –
Milwaukee Brotherhood of Black Fire Fighters Association, 7717 W. Good Hope Road, Milwaukee.
Saturday, August 18 –
Racine YMCA, 725 Lake Ave., Racine.
Saturday, September 29 –
Northside YMCA, 1350 W. North Ave., Milwaukee.
Churches can also direct members to BloodCenter donor centers during the challenge period or host a drive.
