CONNECTICUT (September 4, 2025) — In the U.S., more than 100,000 people are estimated to be living with sickle cell disease — the majority of whom are of African descent. For many, regular blood transfusions are a lifeline.

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is emphasizing the importance of a diversifying our blood donor base to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder in the country.

Blood transfusion is an essential sickle cell treatment

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped instead of soft and round. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, acute anemia and even strokes. A patient with sickle cell disease can require multiple blood transfusions throughout their lifetime – as much as 100 units of blood per patient each year – to treat complications from the disease.

Blood given to those with sickle cell disease must be matched closely to reduce the risk of complications. One in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease. Eligible donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to donate at an upcoming blood drive.

The following blood drives are dedicated to Sickle Cell Awareness Month:

Wednesday, September 3 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church
782 Orchard St.
New Haven, CT 06511

Saturday, September 13 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Artists Collective
1200 Albany Ave.
Hartford, CT 06112
Sponsor code: ArcherFoundation

Wednesday, September 17 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Total Mortgage Arena
600 Main St.
Bridgeport 06604
Sponsor code: Bridgeport

Saturday, September 27 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Grace Baptist Church
65 Kingsbury St.
Waterbury, CT 06702
Sponsor code: GraceBaptist

Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 29-Sept. 21, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross and PEANUTS® mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Donors will have to open the bag to find out which iconic design is inside!

Additionally, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19, 2025, will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.

Make an appointment to give blood

The Red Cross encourages individuals to make an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. More information about blood and diversity is available on the Red Cross website.

About blood donation

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. In Connecticut, individuals who are 16 years of age with parental consent, 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Health insights for donors 

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.   

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. 

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 not-for-profit 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.