MO HCR27

Designates December 17, 2011, as "American Red Cross Minority Blood Drive Day" in Missouri to honor Dr. Charles Richard Drew, an African-American physician and blood transfusion pioneer.

Recognizes that over 80,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease, with 98% being African-American, and that blood transfusions are critical for treating complications like stroke and acute chest syndrome.

Notes that African-American patients need HLA-matched blood donors and bone marrow donors, but African-Americans comprise only 12% of the U.S. population, creating a significant shortage of compatible donors due to genetic variations in HLA-types.

Acknowledges the American Red Cross's efforts to partner with African-American and Hispanic-American communities through health fairs, educational sessions, and hiring diverse staff to increase minority blood donations and dispel myths about blood safety.

Encourages all Missouri citizens to participate in activities on December 17, 2011, to honor Dr. Drew's contributions to medicine, including his establishment of the first blood bank and blood plasma storage methods.