HARTFORD, Conn. (June 12, 2023) – The YMCA of Greater Hartford, in partnership with the American Red Cross and UConn Health’s New England Sickle Cell Institute, will host the Inaugural Juneteenth Sickle Cell Awareness Blood Drive and Expo. The health-focused event will take place at the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth & Family Center, located at 444 Albany Ave, Hartford on Monday, June 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Community members are encouraged to participate in this day of significance by donating blood and engaging with local organizations that are actively making a difference in the lives of patients with sickle cell disease.

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.

The timing of the event is meaningful, as World Sickle Cell Day is also on June 19. World Sickle Cell Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the ongoing challenges faced by patients battling this chronic condition.

Partnerships within the Black community are critical to building trust, sharing information and working together to engage new donors and help save lives. The Red Cross is grateful for the support of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, UCONN Health's New England Sickle Cell Institute, Shiloh Baptist Church and other community partners who have helped share this important message.

Juneteenth Sickle Cell Awareness Blood Drive and Expo

Monday, June 19, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth & Family Center

444 Albany Ave, Hartford

Sponsor code: GHYMCA

The blood that runs through our veins can ease the suffering of others — and patients battling sickle cell disease need your help now. Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

How to donate blood 

To make an appointment, 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. 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.

Help the Red Cross meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now. 

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About UConn Health:

UConn Health is Connecticut’s only public academic medical center with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. Based on a 206-acre campus in Farmington, UConn Health has a three-part mission: research, teaching and patient care. Home to the UConn School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine and UConn John Dempsey Hospital with over 5,400 employees supporting more than 1,000 students, over 1.3 million annual patient encounters, and innovative scientific research contributing to the advancement of medicine. It is Connecticut’s No. 1 producer of medical and dental professionals. In fact, UConn is the largest single source of new physicians, surgeons, and dentists for the state. We are also a significant source of trained scientists and public health experts. For more information, visit health.uconn.edu.