32.9 F
Chicago
Thursday, February 6, 2025

Chicago Teachers Union Kicks Off Black History Month with Blood Drive & Panel on Sickle Cell Disease and Mental Health

Must read

Silence DoGood
Silence DoGood
"If any Person . . . will give a true Account of Mrs. Silence Dogood, whether Dead or alive, Married or unmarried, in Town or Country, . . . they shall have Thanks for their Pains."

Chicago Teachers Union Kicks Off Black History Month with Blood Drive & Panel on Sickle Cell Disease and Mental Health (Chicago, IL) – As Black History Month begins, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the CTU Foundation reaffirm the importance of honoring Black history—reflecting on the past and actively working to improve Black health outcomes today. On Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 2 to 7 PM, CTU’s Human Rights Committee and the CTU Foundation will host their Annual Blood Drive & Panel Discussion on Sickle Cell Disease and Mental Health at the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation Quest Center, 1901 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, IL.

At a time when attacks on Black history education and equity initiatives persist across the country, CTU remains committed to uplifting the narratives and issues that impact Black communities. This year’s blood drive and panel discussion will focus on sickle cell disease—an illness that disproportionately affects Black Americans—and the crucial role African American blood donors play in saving lives.

“Honoring Black history means not only remembering the past but also taking action to address the inequities that persist today,” said Stacy Davis Gates, CTU President. “Through this annual blood drive and panel discussion, we’re raising awareness and mobilizing our members and allies to be part of the solution.”

For this event, CTU is calling on the community to double its goal of at least 40 donors from last year. Blood donations are critical for patients with sickle cell disease, and Black donors play an essential role in providing life-saving matches.

Sickle cell disease affects over 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent. Regular blood transfusions help manage pain crises and other complications, but these patients require blood from donors with similar racial and ethnic backgrounds. More than half of Black blood donors have the unique markers necessary to provide the best matches for sickle cell patients, making increased participation from the Black community vital.

The panel discussion will bring together health experts and community leaders to explore the intersection of sickle cell disease and mental health, a topic often overlooked in conversations about Black wellness. Panel speakers include:

  • Dr. Christina Barriteau, Hematologist, Sickle Cell physician, and Director of the Blood Bank and Transfusion Services at Lurie Children’s Hospital

  • Donald Dew, Habilitative Systems

  • Bishop Horace Smith, Apostolic Faith Church

  • Michelle Burgess, Chicago Public Schools

  • Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, Chicago Historian

  • Moderated by educator, organizer, and Cook County Commissioner of the 1st District, Tara Stamps

Event Details

  • Blood Drive: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Panel Discussion: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: CTU Foundation Quest Center, 1901 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, IL

Click here to RSVP for this event and learn more about eligibility requirements to donate and to RSVP for this event.

Chicago Teachers Union Kicks Off Black History Month with Blood Drive & Panel on Sickle Cell Disease and Mental Health

More articles

Latest article