LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2026 — About 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the country.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky and crescent-shaped, making it difficult for blood to flow and carry oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to severe pain, organ damage, acute anemia and life-threatening complications such as stroke.

Blood transfusions are a critical part of care for many people living with sickle cell disease. They help increase the number of healthy red blood cells, improve oxygen delivery and reduce complications. Because blood types and antigens vary, patients are more likely to find compatible matches from donors of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds, making a diverse blood supply essential.

Take action today. To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you for those who step up to give, all who come to give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

In recognition of Juneteenth and the ongoing need for blood donations to support patients with sickle cell disease, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is encouraging donors to give at one of the following community blood drives:

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 19-21:

Los Angeles

Culver City

6/19/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Culver Palms Family YMCA, 4500 Sepulveda Blvd

Downey

6/19/2026: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ministerios Llamada Final - Brown Room, 12145 Woodruff Ave

Lakewood

6/19/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., UCI Health - Conference Room, 3700E South St

Lancaster

6/19/2026: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Diamond Ford Lancaster, 1155 Auto Mall Dr

Lynwood

6/19/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Potters House Church - Small Hall, 11984 N Santa Fe Ave

Oxnard

6/20/2026: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Church for the Nations Oxnard, 270 W 5th St

Pomona

6/19/2026: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Antioch Missionary Baptist Church – Sanctuary, 2343 N San Antonio Ave

6/19/2026: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center - Pitzer Auditorium, 1798 N. Garey Ave

Santa Monica

6/21/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 1502 20th St

South El Monte

6/19/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The City of South El Monte Senior Center - Game Room 1 & 2, 1556 Central Ave

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, contact 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.

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