More than 100,000 Americans, mostly of African descent, live with Sickle Cell disease, making extreme pain and life-threatening complications a fact of life. However the American Red Cross says that the right blood donors can minimize those complications.
Sickle-shaped blood cells obstruct vessels, causing severe pain and potentially leading to stroke and organ failure. A transfusion helps minimize these complications, but most people who are black can have a dangerous immune response from non-black donors. The good news is, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease, and that’s why the American Red Cross is asking them to come forward.
In a push called “Joined by Blood”, the Red Cross and community organizations team up to host blood drives and inspire black blood donors to support patients with sickle cell disease. Last year the initiative boosted first-time African American blood donor numbers by 60%, and they’re hoping to keep the trend going this year.
You can find a nearby, upcoming blood drive online by visiting RedCrossBlood.org
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