The New Castle County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc is excited to participate as a Partner in Service with the Red Cross’s SleevesUp Campaign! We are challenging every family in our chapter to donate or to solicit at least one donation for blood during our 1st virtual blood drive. Our SleevesUP campaign is in response to the Red Cross’ declaration of an emergency blood shortage as it experiences the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay. Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood through the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. Giving blood is especially important for African American donors as one in three African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S., most commonly affecting individuals of African descent. We are starting our campaign during Black History Month in honor of Dr. Charles Drew. Dr. Drew, widely recognized as the Father of the Blood Bank, was a renowned physician and medical researcher and the first director of the American Red Cross’ Blood Bank.