Giving Blood to Save Lives

On February 28th, the U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the American Red Cross and local universities, started a week-long blood drive to highlight the critical need for blood donations.  Ambassador Alexander Arvizu was one of the first in line, donating blood to the Red Cross as the final event in the Embassy’s celebration of African American History month. 

The blood drive was chosen in honor the African American medical pioneer Dr. Charles R. Drew.  Dr. Drew’s work was later used by the U.S. Army and the American Red Cross as the basis for blood banks during the Second World War. 

Additional blood drives will be held at the University of Tirana on March 2nd, the New York University of Tirana on March 3rd, and the European University of Tirana on March 4th and 5th.  The blood drive ends on March 9th with the University of the Lady of Good Counsel.