Friends,
These last few months have been some of the most challenging times for us as a community.
COVID-19 has fundamentally altered our ways of life and caused widespread uncertainty for too many of our families, friends and neighbors. During a month when we would otherwise gather together to take pride in and commemorate the progress our LGBTQ+ community has fought for, we are finding ways to honor that legacy even when we are physically apart. And this month, we’re seeing our diverse communities come together in solidarity to stand against systems that are really not working for everyone.
In an effort to come together as one San Francisco, I am hosting a blood drive with the Gay Asian and Pacific Islander Association (GAPA), the San Francisco Community Health Clinic (formerly, the API Wellness Center), and the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance (UTOPIA) on June 20th at the American Red Cross San Francisco Chapter Office.
The good news is that because San Franciscans are so great, my blood drive is already full. But the even better news is there are still more ways for you to take part in this important effort:
- Host your own drive! If you provide a space, volunteers, and donors, the Red Cross will step up to help you plan, recruit, and provide both equipment and their excellent trained professionals. Click here to get started.
- Find another blood drive in your area by clicking here, and entering your zip code.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered critical blood shortages. I’m very grateful that these organizations are stepping up, and I hope you will too. Only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood during a typical year, and the demand for blood donations today is greater than ever.
In times like these, we are being called upon to come together in solidarity and show support for each other. I’m very grateful to GAPA, CHC, UTOPIA and our Chiu Crew — together, we can make sure our health care providers have the resources they need to keep us healthy and safe.
In solidarity,
David