Red Cross in Need of Blood Donors for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
The American Red Cross (redcross.org) has launched a new national initiative to reach more blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve health outcomes. Blood transfusions are essential in managing the very real pain and long-term health of those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race or similar ethnicity and blood type are the most effective way to help patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Since the majority of people with sickle cell are of African descent, blood donations from Black individuals are critical in helping those suffering from this disease.
The Red Cross currently provides sickle cell trait screening on all donations from self-identified African American donors. This additional screening helps the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell and provides African American donors who give with the Red Cross an additional health insight during a time when health information has never been more important. Donors can expect to receive results of their blood screenings within one to two weeks through their Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially, or giving blood.