As part of Black History Month, Southwestern Illinois College will host a pair of bone marrow donor registration days at two college campuses.

The National Marrow Donor Program will register new donors at the East St. Louis Community College Center Cafeteria, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., Thursday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in an opportunity to sign up for the National Marrow Donor Registry.

Additionally, potential donors can sign up at the SWIC Belleville Campus Main Complex Café, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bone marrow is always an important medical resource and a donor can help save the lives of people with a variety of medical concerns, including certain cancers, according to the National Marrow Donor Program.

Information provided by the National Marrow Donor Program indicates that because of the importance having a shared heritage makes in finding a successful donor, African Americans should strongly consider donating. Donors are more likely to be a match if they share these traits with those in need.

“Getting on the registry is very easy. The whole process only takes 15 minutes,” said SWIC Minority Transfer Center Director Donna Moody. “They swab your cheek and that’s it. They will be taking registrations from people of all backgrounds.”

For more information on the drive, contact the Minority Transfer Center at 618-235-2700, ext. 5360.