|
Red Cross Programs, Partners Support Sickle Cell Patients
Written by
Lesly C. Hallman
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Monday, October 25, 2004 — One blood donation can save as many as three lives, but its not often that a blood donor knows exactly who is receiving their blood, or that a transfusion recipient can thank someone for helping save their life. But now, several groundbreaking Red Cross blood donation programs are bridging that gap for patients with sickle cell disease and blood donors giving to help improve their quality of life.
Programs based in Detroit, Atlanta, St. Louis and Philadelphia are working to help sickle cell patients by finding closely matched blood for the transfusions often needed to ease the pain of this disease. Medical experts estimate that more than 70,000 people in the United States suffer from sickle cell disease, which causes red blood cells to harden and take on a curved shape, making it difficult for them to flow easily through veins. As a result, victims suffer from a range of complications, from intense pain and swelling to strokes and organ damage.
Detroit’s program has become one of several models matching donors and patients. In 2002 the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region started a Sickle Cell Blood Donor program in the Detroit area. The program, operated in conjunction with Children’s Hospital of Michigan, matches nearly 200 children suffering from the disease with a blood donor of a compatible blood type. Those donors sign a pledge and give regularly to ensure that the most compatible blood is available when a young patient needs it.
This stamp was created to educate the public about sickle cell disease, and is now available at post offices across the country. (Image courtesy United States Postal Service).
|
Similar programs are running in St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, serving the needs of sickle cell patients while increasing the numbers of blood donations by minorities.
“Sickle cell disease creates an ongoing crisis for its victims and their loved ones,” said David Wilkins, chief diversity officer for the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross has already begun to play an important role in helping to relieve the suffering it causes.”
Wilkins was a keynote speaker at this year’s Sickle Cell Disease Association of America annual conference, held in Atlanta from Sept. 29-Oct. 2. The theme of this year’s meeting was Living with Sickle Cell Disease: Overcoming Obstacles, Maximizing Opportunities, An Educational & Interactive Conference.
Transfusion therapy is most effective when the transfused blood closely matches the blood of the patient. The best match is often found in someone with the same ethnic background. This means that blood donations from the African-American community have a profound impact on the quality of care that can be offered to sickle cell patients. Increased donations from the African-American community result in a higher level of care, a better quality of life, and hope for sickle cell patients.
Other treatments for sickle cell disease include antibiotic therapy, supplemental oxygen, transfusions, and bone marrow transplantation, and other prescription drugs.
Stamp Raises Awareness
Last year the United States Postal Service unveiled the Sickle Cell Disease Awareness stamp, which was released to the public for purchase on Sept. 30 nationwide. The stamp features a mother kissing her young baby, with the tagline, “Test early for Sickle Cell.”
“We believe this stamp will go a long way in helping to educate the public about this painful and devastating disease,” said USPS vice president for retail Henry Pankey.
The stamps are available upon request at any United States Post Office, or online at
www.usps.com.
Related Links:
|
