One in 3 African American Blood Donors is a Match
Sickle Cell Awareness Walk 2024 Pastor Taylor and Charletta Malone
During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross is called on African American and Latino blood donors to help ensure a diverse blood supply to help meet the transfusion needs of those battling sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.
In the U.S. sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people, most of whom are of African descent or Latino descent. Blood and platelet donations are vital in supporting patients with sickle disease undergoing gene therapies and stem cell transplants, as well as those who need regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage their disease.
New cell-based gene therapies provide groundbreaking treatment options for people battling sickle cell disease in the U.S., but blood donations remain critical to helping ensure these medical procedures can be completed. During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross is hosting over 500 blood drives nationwide and highlighting the vital role of blood donors to support these and other life-changing treatments for patients with this inherited blood disorder. As many as 50 units of blood and up to 25 units of platelets may be needed for a single patient undergoing gene therapy for 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).