During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross emphasizes the lifesaving impact Black blood donors make for those living with the disease.
This month, the Red Cross launched Joined by Blood, a fall-focused component of our Sickle Cell Initiative, to partner with community organizations to inspire donors who are Black to give.
Red Cross announces Joined by Blood partnerships to help increase compatible blood donations for patients
During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross has launched Joined by Blood, a fall-focused component of the Sickle Cell Initiative, to help improve the health outcomes of those with sickle cell disease through impactful community-based partnerships.
In September and October, the Red Cross is teaming up with community organizations like the National Pan-Hellenic Council – known as the Divine Nine – and others to host blood drives and inspire donors who are Black to give blood to support people living with sickle cell.
Sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people across the country, most of whom are of African descent. Regular blood transfusions are critical to managing extreme pain and life-threatening complications faced by many. Unfortunately, they may develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, because most individuals who are Black have unique structures on their red blood cells that are not often found in other donor populations, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.
Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell – possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions. As summer ends, book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give through Sept. 18 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
About sickle cell disease:
Sickle cell disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause severe pain. “When cells harden, they can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure,” said Annette Rowland, Regional Communications Director. “Transfusions provide healthy blood cells, unblocking blood vessels and delivering oxygen, minimizing crises patients with sickle cell may face.”