BGSU Latino Student Union hosts blood drive

BOWLING GREEN, O.—The Bowling Green State University Latino Student Union (LSU) is raising awareness about the legacy of a civil rights leader and helping to save lives at the same time.

The group is hosting the 2010 National Cesar Chavez Blood Drive Challenge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 31 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 1 in 202B Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The drive is one of over 100 happening on college campuses across the country and one of only two in Ohio.

“We want to help get the word out about the need for donors from ethnic populations,” said event coordinator Samantha Pena, a neuroscience/pre-med senior from Bluffton. “Students should realize their donation really does save lives, and research has shown it is better for minorities to receive blood transfusions from someone of the same ethnic background.”

Bowling Green Mayor John Quinn will help kick off the event at noon on March 31. Joining Quinn will be BGSU President Carol Cartwright and Richard Romero, the former chair of the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs. Romero, a BGSU alumnus and founding member of LSU, will present a plaque to the University for its work with Latino students.

Organizers also hope to raise awareness about other health issues such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes as well as promote health care professions and healthy living. 

Cesar Chavez was a Mexican-American farmworker, labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America.

The event is sponsored by Coca-Cola and Chipotle. Donors will receive a coupon for a free Chipotle burrito.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Journalists can contact Jennifer Sobolewski, Office of Marketing & Communications, at 419-372-8582 or Samantha Pena, at 419-615-7852 for more information.

(Posted March 26, 2010 )