American Red Cross: Celebrate Black History Month by Participating in a ‘Sleeves Up’ Campaign

February is Black History Month  – a time to honor the significant achievements of Black Americans while making an impact today. This year’s theme focuses on the importance of Black health and wellness. The American Red Cross is honoring the legacy of Dr. Charles Drew, an African American surgeon, and researcher who pioneered new methods for collecting, preserving, and distributing blood, as well as storing blood plasma for transfusion. We work to celebrate his advancements by putting a challenge out to the entire Georgia Region.

“Dr. Drew’s work with the Red Cross Blood Program helped save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people,” said Dee Dixon, CEO of Georgia’s Red Cross. “With blood transfusions remaining one of the most critical treatments for patients with chronic illnesses such as sickle cell, I invite Georgians everywhere to continue Dr. Drew’s lifesaving legacy by rolling up a sleeve to give blood during Black History Month.”

No bloodmobile or space is needed to answer this challenge, making it especially convenient for students and organizations to get involved. Simply create your campaign online, and send an invitation to your friends and family members anywhere in Georgia to join you in donating blood and saving lives.

Participants can visit  www.redcrossblood.org  to enter their zip code and find/book a convenient blood donation appointment in February or upcoming months.

Once participants are ready to roll up a sleeve, we want to see it! We invite all campaign blood donors to snap a picture and share it on social media using the hashtags:  #TeamUp4SickleCellGA & #BlackBloodDonorsNeeded . 

Calendar opportunities for launching an inspiring Sleeves Up Campaign during Black History Month / American Heart Month include:

  • African Heritage and Health Week – Feb. 1-7
  • Rosa Parks Day – Feb. 5
  • National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Feb. 7
  • National Donor Day – Feb. 14
  • Frederick Douglass Day – Feb. 14
  • National Black Girl Magic Day – Feb. 15
  • World Day of Social Justice – Feb. 20
  • Black Lives Matter Day – Feb. 26
  • Rare Disease Day – Feb. 28

Blood donations from everyone remain essential to the health of communities. However, African American donors play a critical role in meeting the need for blood – especially for those with sickle cell disease who often rely on closely matched blood products for regular transfusions. Individuals of all blood types are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead by using the  Red Cross Blood DonorApp , visiting  RedCrossBlood.org , or calling  1 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) .

 As an extra thank-you during Black History Month, those who come to give in February will receive a $10  Amazon.com  Gift Card via email,  thanks to Amazon.

The Red Cross is currently providing free sickle cell trait screening on all donations from self-identified African American donors in addition to a free mini health screening with insights on pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit  redcross.org  or  cruzrojaamericana.org .

GLS 2025 Year in Review

December 22, 2025
Dear Georgia Life Sciences Community, As we reflect on the past year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our Georgia Life Sciences members for making it such an impactful one. Your engagement and leadership continue to move our industry forward and advance our shared strategic priorities— driving strong policy, expanding the talent pipeline, and creating intentional spaces for collaboration across Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem. Our Year in Review captures the progress we’ve made together across these priorities and highlights the collective impact our members are having statewide—from strengthening the workforce and supporting manufacturing growth to elevating Georgia’s position as a national life sciences leader. This progress is only possible because of the collaboration, commitment, and insight of our member community. 

Investing in America’s Biopharmaceutical Infrastructure Strengthens the Economy and Supports Union Workers

By Maria Thacker Goethe • December 20, 2025
The biopharmaceutical industry is growing America’s manufacturing and R&D capabilities to develop the next generation of treatments. A recent study from PILMA quantified the impact of the industry’s investment in American infrastructure on the economy and union workforce across 18 states from 2019-2024. The study found that across the 18 states included, the biopharmaceutical industry: Supported the American economy by investing $86.5B in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure and developing 1000+ construction projects at over 700 distinct facilities. Strengthened the American workforce by generating $2.6B in skilled union wages and providing $19M in support for union apprenticeships. The impact of the biopharmaceutical industry’s investment in American manufacturing and union jobs extends beyond direct benefits, spurring additional economic activity in the communities where workers live. This is known as the multiplier effect . On average, every $1 of new investment in a U.S. biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities generates an additional $1.59 in further economic activity (2.59x times the initial investment value). The industry’s $86.5B investment in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure has a total economic impact of $224B. Check out this resource to learn more about how biopharmaceutical investment in American infrastructure supports America’s workers and communities. For more on how biopharmaceutical companies are investing in America’s future, visit innovation.org/america-investment .

Georgia Life Sciences Joins National Coalition Urging Congressional Action on Key Innovation Policies

December 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences has joined 43 state and regional life sciences organizations in signing a national Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) letter calling on Congress to take immediate action on three bipartisan policy priorities that are essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and supporting patients nationwide. With Congress back in session and several critical programs at risk of expiring, the letter urges congressional leaders to advance the following provisions without delay: 1. Reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) Program The PPRV program has been instrumental in incentivizing the development of therapies for children with rare and life-threatening conditions. Its lapse threatens to slow or halt research that families across the country are counting on. 2. Extend the SBIR/STTR Programs The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide crucial early-stage capital for emerging biotech and medtech companies—many of them in Georgia. Without reauthorization, hundreds of innovative small businesses face uncertainty, jeopardizing new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies in the pipeline, 3. Advance PBM Transparency Reforms Greater transparency and accountability within pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices are needed to ensure that savings reach patients and employers. Reforming PBM operations is essential to strengthening access and affordability across the healthcare system. A Unified Message from the Life Sciences Community The sign-on letter reflects broad, bipartisan alignment across the national life sciences ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, patient advocates, and state associations all share a common message— these programs underpin America’s global competitiveness and are vital to patients who rely on continued scientific progress. Georgia Life Sciences has shared the letter with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and will continue engaging with policymakers to emphasize the importance of swift action.
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