During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross emphasizes the importance of a diverse blood supply to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.

Sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people across the country, most of whom are of African descent. Regular blood transfusions are critical to managing extreme pain and life-threatening complications faced by many. Unfortunately, they may develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, because most individuals who are Black have unique structures on their red blood cells that are not often found in other donor populations, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with 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). As a thank-you, all who come to give through Sept. 18 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Life-threatening complications

Sickle cell disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause severe pain. “When cells harden, they can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure,” says Ingrid Green, Southern California Regional Sickle Cell Account Manager. “Transfusions provide healthy blood cells, unblocking blood vessels and delivering oxygen, minimizing crises patients with sickle cell may face.”

Joined by Blood

To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is working with partners in the Black community to grow the number of blood donors who are Black through the sickle cell initiative, which launched in 2021. In the first year of the initiative, the number of first-time African American blood donors who gave with the Red Cross increased by 60%. In September and October, the Red Cross launches Joined by Blood, a fall component of the initiative where the Red Cross is teaming up with community organizations, like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and others, to host blood drives and inspire donors who are Black to give blood to support patients with sickle cell disease. To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 8-30:

Canyon Country

9/27/2022: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., College of the Canyons, 17200 Sierra Highway

Newhall

9/25/2022: 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The Sanctuary Church, 26444 Friendly Valley Pkwy

Santa Clarita

9/8/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Centre Pointe Parkway

9/10/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks

9/12/2022: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Best Buy, 26531 Bouquet Canyon Rd.

9/14/2022: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks

9/16/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Santa Clarita Sports Centre, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway

9/21/2022: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks

9/22/2022: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Best Buy, 26531 Bouquet Canyon Road

9/24/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks

9/28/2022: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks

9/30/2022: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Best Buy, 26531 Bouquet Canyon Rd.

Valencia

9/9/2022: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Henry Mayo Fitness and Health, 24525 Town Center Drive

9/14/2022: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 27710 The Old Road

9/14/2022: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd.

9/15/2022: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd.

Agoura Hills