Media Contact: Ruby Ramirez
(ATLANTA, Oct. 13, 2021) — The American Red Cross invites Atlanta-area blood donors to help save lives by giving blood at the 100 Black Men of America Blood Drive on Sunday, Oct. 17 at the historic Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church in Atlanta.
Together, the Red Cross and 100 Black Men of America are partnering to expand blood donation opportunities in Black communities and help combat the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black and African Americans, like sickle cell, chronic illnesses, complications from childbirth, and trauma-related accidents.
Atlanta will close out a 12-city tour that was launched by the two organizations in September to boost the diverse blood supply. Currently, the Red Cross has an immediate need for blood donations, especially type O, and platelets to help overcome an emergency shortage.
In efforts to increase the number of Black donors across the U.S., the Red Cross recently introduced a new national sickle cell initiative to help ensure patients battling sickle cell disease have access to the lifesaving blood products they need. Sickle cell is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.
More than 100,000 people live with sickle cell disease nationwide, and the majority of patients are of African descent. Patients often rely on regular blood transfusions to help manage disease complications, which may include severe pain, organ failure, and even stroke. Many individuals who are Black have distinct markers on their red blood cells that make their blood donations the most compatible match for helping patients with sickle cell disease.
Donors can take action today by scheduling a blood donation appointment for this upcoming blood drive at RedCrossBlood.org, by downloading the Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Donors can input the blood drive Sponsor Code:100BMOA for this blood drive. To help tackle the need for blood in October, all donors who come to give with the Red Cross will receive a $20 Amazon e-gift card; FREE Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich reward via email or a $5 e-gift card, and a FREE T-Shirt while supplies last. Sign up & get details: rcblood.org/3AxGaSI
100 Black Men of America Blood Drive
Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church
580 Atlanta Student Movement Blvd,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is 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 who require trait negative blood. 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.
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.
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.