The award, presented during Black History Month, recognizes organizations that champion diversity in the blood supply
Children’s Minnesota has been honored by Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) with the 2026 Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award, recognizing the organization’s ongoing commitment to blood donation and to supporting a healthy, diverse blood supply for patients across our community. The award was presented during a ceremony held as part of Black History Month.
The Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award honors MBC partner organizations that demonstrate leadership in strengthening the blood supply and advancing the need for donor diversity to meet the needs of all patients. Children’s Minnesota was recognized for its long‑standing partnership with MBC, including its strong focus on blood drives during Sickle Cell Awareness Month and other key observances throughout the year.
“At Memorial Blood Centers, we know that a healthy, stable, and diverse blood supply is essential to patient care. This year, we are honored to recognize Children’s Minnesota for their outstanding commitment to blood donation advocacy and sickle cell awareness. Blood donation is one of the simplest ways to make an immediate, lifesaving impact. If you’ve ever wondered how you can show up for your community, this is it,” said Jennifer Kaluza, executive director of operations at Memorial Blood Centers.
A commitment to diverse and lifesaving blood donation
Children’s Minnesota regularly hosts blood drives in partnership with MBC, organized through the Family Resource Program and Employee Resource Groups (ERG).
These efforts help ensure patients – especially children with complex or chronic conditions like sickle cell disease – have access to compatible, lifesaving blood products.
“On behalf of Children’s Minnesota, thank you to Memorial Blood Centers for this incredible honor. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion includes our belief that a healthy blood supply must also be a diverse blood supply, so it can meet the needs of a diverse patient population,” said James Burroughs, senior vice president of government and community relations and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Minnesota.
Partnership powered by people
Several ERGs have stepped forward to partner with the Family Resource Program to sponsor MBC blood drives at Children’s Minnesota, including the Black Employee Empowerment Network (BEEN) ERG, Nurses of Color ERG, Disability Advocacy ERG and PRIDE ERG.
“This is a true collaboration – shared planning, shared outreach and shared purpose. Family Resources helps provide that structure and our ERGs bring the energy that turns a blood drive into a movement. Together, they are helping ensure that when a child needs blood, it’s there – and it’s the right match for the child in front of us,” said Caroline Njau, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Children’s Minnesota.
Legacy of Dr. Charles Drew
The award is named in honor of Dr. Charles Drew, the father of modern blood banking and the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science from Columbia University. Dr. Drew’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for today’s blood banking system.
