David Stewart, Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE) chief executive officer (CEO), said, "We strive to hold as many blood drives throughout the year as possible. Donating blood is very important and with each drive held at Cherokee Casinos, we get more and more donors. We are thankful to those who come out and participate."
CNE operates the Cherokee Nation casinos.
The American Red Cross is sending an urgent appeal to Native Americans to donate and be tested for a specific blood antigen called Diego b found only in a small percentage of Native Americans.
Janet Cheffey, reference lab supervisor for the Oklahoma American Red Cross, said, "Diego b is an antigen found in the blood of 100 percent of people in most populations. However, it is found in only 96 percent of the Native American population."
This means that 4 percent of the Native American population is Diego b negative. Native Americans who are in need of a Diego b negative blood transfusion can only acquire the rare blood antigen from other Native American donors who have the Diego b negative blood type.
The American Red Cross is encouraging all individuals to donate now and as many times possible throughout the year, for this year alone as many as five million patients will require blood transfusions.
Delisa English, Red Cross Southwest Region-Oklahoma CEO, said, "While the winter holidays have ended, the need for volunteer blood donors still exists. More than ever, we need to pull together and help save the lives of family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues. There's no better time to donate. Celebrate '08 and donate."
A Red Cross bus will be parked in the casino parking lot to take donations. The American Red Cross will enter those who donate in January and February at any Red Cross blood drive into a drawing for a chance to win a three-day and two-night trip to Las Vegas.
Native Americans are asked to identify themselves as Native American on the paperwork when donating. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh no fewer than 110 pounds, be in good health and have a picture I.D available.
For more information about donating at Cherokee Casino Sallisaw, call Randy Manard at (918) 427-2631.
