LOS ANGELES, September 5, 2025 — Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime – as many as 100 units of blood per patient each year. It’s the most common inherited blood disorder in the country, and it can cause severe pain, organ damage, and even strokes due to the abnormal shape of red blood cells.

Blood transfusions are a critical treatment for those living with sickle cell disease, helping to increase the number of healthy red blood cells and improve oxygen delivery throughout the body. Because blood antigens vary by ethnicity, Black donors are especially needed to help provide compatible matches for patients. Since we launched our Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021, more than 140,000 first-time African American blood donors have rolled up a sleeve, helping strengthen and diversify our blood donor base while reversing the trend of declining donors overall in this group.

Meet Dorian Archie: A Voice for Sickle Cell Awareness

Dorian Archie is a passionate advocate for sickle cell awareness and education. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth, Dorian has transformed his personal journey into a mission to uplift others. He is a motivational speaker, community leader, and founder of initiatives that support youth affected by chronic illness. Dorian’s story is one of resilience and empowerment — and he’s available for interviews to share his experience and inspire action.

Seasonal challenges

Routines are changing, and schedules are filling up before fall, which could keep people from coming out to help save lives. In addition, the threat of severe weather and hurricanes remains strong in late summer. As we near National Preparedness Month, it’s important to note the significant disruption weather can cause all year long. Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, weather canceled about 1,500 blood drives, causing more than 40,000 blood donations to go uncollected. Making and keeping donation appointments where it’s safe to do so can help patients when and wherever they need it most.   

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 6 – Oct. 28

Los Angeles

Compton

9/21/2025: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Love and Unity Christian Fellowship, 1840 S. Wilmington

10/7/2025: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Compton College, 1111 E. Artesia Blvd

Gardena

10/6/2025: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Serra High School, 14830 Van Ness Ave.

Los Angeles

9/7/2025: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Mental Health is Real Wealth, 3339 W 43rd St     

9/9/2025: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Crenshaw Christian Center, 7901 S. Vermont Ave

9/20/2025: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, African American Firefighter Museum, 1401 S Central Ave           

10/1/2025: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Charles Drew University, 1731 E 120th Street

10/4/2025: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Kappa Alpha Psi, 1846 Crenshaw Blvd

10/14/2025: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Crenshaw Christian Center, 7901 S. Vermont Ave         

10/28/2025: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Kaiser Baldwin Hills, 3782 W Martin Lutheran King Jr Blvd

Playa del Rey

9/16/2025: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM, St Bernard High School, 9100 Falmouth Ave

Pomona
9/27/2025: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Pomona Blood Donation Center, 100 Red Cross Cir

10/4/2025: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Pomona Blood Donation Center, 100 Red Cross Cir         

Santa Clarita

9/6/2025: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, NAACP Santa Clarita, 19425 Stillmore St

How to donate blood  

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.  

Amplify your impact − volunteer!  

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.  

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

# # #