5th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood Drive for Life
January 21, 2008

PITTSBURGH – Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Office for Black Catholic Ministries, in collaboration with the Central Blood Bank, will sponsor the “5th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood Drive for Life” on Monday, January 21, 2008. The blood drive will be held from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Benedict the Moor Church, Centre Avenue and Crawford Street, in the Hill District of Pittsburgh (Freedom Corner).

The annual blood drive commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. King who dedicated his life for racial equality and justice. The event is a way for the greater Pittsburgh community to honor the memory of Dr. King by donating blood and saving lives. Three lives are saved with every donation of blood.

According to the Central Blood Bank, “Blood donors are part of an elite population. Over 70% of the population is eligible to donate, but only 5% donates on a national level.”

Besides the opportunity to save lives, the event gives people from different races, cultures, faith communities, neighborhoods, and walks of life the opportunity to support a common purpose--life.

Also, the Blood Drive gives the greater community a way to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King on the national holiday to celebrate his birthday. More than ever, we need to remember, celebrate, and promote the values and virtues that Dr. King lived and now symbolizes.

Contact the Office for Black Catholic Ministries, 412-456-3170, for additional information about the January 21 Blood Drive for Life. For questions about donating blood, contact the Central Blood Bank at 1-800-310-9551.

Partners for the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood Drive for Life: Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh; Dinwiddie Community Alliance; Hill House Association; Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of St. Peter Claver; Race and Reconciliation Dialogue Group at St. Paul Cathedral Parish.