Week of July 12, 2017 Vol 53 • No 14 • www.thechicagocitizen.com
Fashion
Weekly
WEARING YOUR BEAUTY BOLDLY, BLACK WOMEN SHARE SISTERHOOD ON GELE DAY
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Chatham Southeast
Audit Bureau of Circulation
Member
ABC AUDITED
FACING A CRITICAL BLOOD SHORTAGE, AMERICAN RED CROSS ASKS FOR THE PUBLIC’S HELP
CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) wrote that President Trump has taken steps that hurt the Black community. (Official Photo)
THANKS, BUT NO THANKS:
CBC REJECTS SECOND MEETING WITH TRUMP By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor)
Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) rejected an offer from the White House to meet with all 49 members of the caucus, citing steps that the Trump Administration has taken, “that will affirmatively hurt Black communities.” In a letter addressed to President Trump, Richmond wrote that, “Your Administration has yet to provide a response to the policies we presented. Additionally, your Administration has not followed through on a pledge you made to us to
Governmental Affairs
PRITZKER CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES “DAMAGE IS DONE” CALLS P3
CHICAGO, Ill. - The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now and help save lives. Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in about 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting any blood donations for more than four days. “It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed to give as soon as possible.”
How to Help
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross has added more than 25,000 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.
Summer Months Lead to Shortage
facilitate meetings with relevant Cabinet officials.” The letter also noted that roughly 60 percent of the proposed cuts in Trump’s budget plan will slash programs that serve the most vulnerable Americans. “For example, you propose a $4 billion cut to Pell Grants that help low-income college students pay their tuition,” the letter said. “You also proposed the complete elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps seniors and other helpless populations heat their
Blood shortages often worsen around Independence Day due to many fewer volunteer-hosted blood drives at places of work, worship or community gathering, and this year is no exception. Nearly 700 fewer blood drives were scheduled during the Independence Day week than the weeks before and after the holiday. Overall, the summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in summer activities. In a recent survey of Red Cross blood donors, more than
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Business
A NEW INTEL GRANT PROGRAM INVESTS $4.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT STEM PATHWAYS FOR HBCU STUDENTS.
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Entertainment
PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FOR CHRP P10
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