During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is celebrating a rebound in blood donations from Black Americans through innovative community partnerships that help deliver lifesaving relief to more than 100,000 Americans living with sickle cell disease who depend on blood transfusions.
Launched in 2021, the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has inspired more than 140,000 first-time African American donors to roll up a sleeve, strengthening the blood supply for patients in need and allowing them to survive and thrive. The initiative has also provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings, raising critical awareness in communities most impacted by the disease.
At the heart of this work are sickle cell warriors like Julius Nelson, of Pottstown, whose battle has included several major surgeries, hospitalizations and blood transfusions. He’s grateful that blood has always been available when he needed it and encourages Black Americans to donate.
“You have no idea how that’s going to change someone else’s life, even if you can’t see it,” he said. “The important part is that you know that you did your part and that you are helping out your fellow African Americans and making our community stronger and better.”
Sickle cell warriors don’t fight alone. Julius credits his family with being “my biggest rock.” His sister, Jonna, is a fellow warrior, although her experience with sickle cell is less severe. His father, Jonathan, is a blood donor, and his mother, Julie, hosts sickle cell blood drives through the Red Cross in Philadelphia.
You’re invited to join our team by scheduling a blood donation appointment. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood, download our Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Since launching in 2021, the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has achieved several transformative milestones:
- Provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings to donors who self-identified as African American, Black or multiracial to increase sickle cell trait awareness.
- Invested $205,000 in future leaders through the Red Cross Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship Program, awarding $5,000 scholarships to 41 students who demonstrated outstanding commitment to helping patients with sickle cell disease.
- Collected over 7,300 pints of lifesaving blood at more than 320 blood drives on HBCU campuses through the Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Program, creating a powerful legacy of collaboration that has strengthened communities.
According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects one in every 365 African American newborns, making it the most common inherited blood disorder in the country, with many patients requiring blood transfusions throughout their lifetime. Blood donors who are Black are almost three times more likely to be a match for these patients compared to other donors—making the increase in African American donors critical.
Patients with sickle cell disease undergoing stem cell or gene therapy treatments also benefit from blood and platelet donations that are closely matched to avoid transfusion-related complications. To help ensure these lifesaving treatments remain available, the Red Cross is mobilizing communities through its fall “Joined by Blood” activation.
From September through October, the Red Cross “Joined by Blood” activation will host more than 750 blood drives nationwide through partnerships with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, 100 Black Men of America, The Links, Incorporated, Delta Air Lines, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Jack and Jill of America, member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), faith-based organizations and more.
“Together, we have the power to help save lives and strengthen community health,” said Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical officer, Red Cross Blood Services. “When our communities give together, we heal together. Through Joined by Blood, we transform individual acts of generosity into a powerful movement that helps patients and elevates entire communities.”
About every two and a half minutes, someone with sickle cell disease arrives at a U.S. emergency room—and nearly 2 out of 3 times, they’re in severe pain. In those critical moments, the availability of lifesaving blood can mean the difference between uncertainty and assurance when transfusion treatment is needed.
Those who present to give blood Aug. 29-Sept. 21 get an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with 1 of 4 special tee designs, while supplies last. Those who present to give Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, and those who present to give Oct. 20-Nov. 16 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice! Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
