Red Cross recognizes importance of diverse blood donors during Sickle Cell Awareness Month
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ST. PAUL, Minn. (Sept. 3, 2013) — Many patients need a one-time blood transfusion, but the estimated 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease face a lifetime of them. During September, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages blood donations from donors of all types.
Most people with sickle cell disease are of African descent, but many are of Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Mediterranean and other descents. Because recipients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with the same ethnicity, a diverse supply is important.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to form an abnormal shape. Regular blood transfusions can help reduce the risks of stroke, damage to major organs and other complications. While better management of the disease has increased life expectancy in recent years, there is still no cure.
Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to learn more and make an appointment to donate blood for patients in need like those with sickle cell disease.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Crow Wing County
Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Gate Mall, 1272 Highway 210 West in Brainerd, Minn.
Sept. 23 from 1-7 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 1115 Wright St. in Brainerd, Minn.
Sept. 24 from 1-7 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 1115 Wright St. in Brainerd, Minn.
Sept. 25 from 1-7 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 1115 Wright St. in Brainerd, Minn.
Grant County
Sept. 18 from 12-5 p.m. at Destiny Fitness Center, 28854 County Road 10 in Ashby, Minn.
Morrison County
Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Royalton High School, 120 S. First St. in Royalton, Minn.
Otter Tail County
Sept. 17 from 1-7 p.m. at Lake Region Electric Co., 1401 Broadway in Pelican Rapids, Minn.
Sept. 18 from 1-7 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 421 Cecil in Fergus Falls, Minn.
Sept. 19 from 1-7 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 421 Cecil in Fergus Falls, Minn.
Sept. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 421 Cecil in Fergus Falls, Minn.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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