The Cartoonists Day Mini Poster was produced by the Southern California Cartoonists Society (S.C.C.S.) in the USA in 1990. The mini poster was produced in conjunction with the San Diego Blood Bank, featuring an image of the Phantom, an illustration by Bill Lignante.
The San Diego Blood Bank was established in 1950 by community leaders who recognized the need for a local blood bank. At its dedication in 1972, Dr. Jonas Salk noted that the organization reflects the community’s health and strength, emphasizing its respect for the human individual. Over the years, the Blood Bank has evolved to meet changing healthcare needs. Initially paying donors, it now relies on a 100% volunteer donor base.
In 1968, it supplied 4,000 units of blood monthly; today, it processes approximately 10,000 units, serving hospitals throughout Southern California. The San Diego Blood Bank provides a range of services, including blood collection, component preparation, and stem cell transplants through its Cord Blood Banking Program. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it serves hospitals in the USA including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties, acting as the primary blood provider to Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.
Each year, over 150,000 units of blood are transfused into patients facing life-threatening conditions. The Blood Bank continues to grow, operating frozen blood laboratories and offering continuing education. Its commitment to community health and reliance on volunteer donors highlight its vital role in Southern California.
In 1987, Jim Whiting, a renowned cartoonist, played a pivotal role in establishing the annual Cartoonists Day at the San Diego Blood Bank. This initiative not only highlighted the importance of blood donation but also fostered a unique collaboration between the artistic community and the medical sector. Whiting also founded the Southern California Cartoonists Society (S.C.C.S.), further solidifying the connection between cartoonists and community service. A notable poster was created through a unified effort between King Features Syndicate (KFS), Phantom artist Bill Lignante, the S.C.C.S., and the San Diego Blood Bank. This poster served a dual purpose: it drew attention to the blood bank and celebrated the San Diego Blood Bank’s achievement of winning a national award from the American Association of Blood Banks.
The Cartoonists Day Mini Poster is printed on cardstock paper measuring 8.5” x 11”. The Phantom delivering a powerful message about the life-saving impact of blood donations, set against a backdrop of a skull cave and jungle foliage. From an artistic perspective, the poster is a masterful blend of visual storytelling and social advocacy. The Phantom, a character known for his heroic exploits, is depicted in a setting that evokes both danger and mystery. The skull cave and jungle foliage create a dramatic backdrop, emphasizing the gravity of the message: that blood donations are crucial for saving lives.
The collaboration between cartoonists and the blood bank represents a symbiotic relationship where art serves as a powerful tool for social change. The use of the Phantom, a character with a rich history of justice and protection, underscores the importance of community involvement in ensuring the health and well-being of society.
In 1995, the Chula Vista Star-News announced the eighth annual celebration of Cartoonists Day, marking a decade of successful collaboration between the artistic community and the San Diego Blood Bank. This event not only highlighted the ongoing commitment to blood donation but also celebrated the enduring impact of art in promoting social causes. The annual celebration stands as a testament to the power of creative partnerships in fostering community engagement and supporting vital health initiatives.
Thank you Christopher Smith for assisting with images and information.
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