Media contact: Jerrica Williams
ATLANTA (August 25, 2022) — In an effort to recognize Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross has launched Joined by Blood, a fall-focused component of the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, to grow the number of blood donors who are Black and help improve the health outcomes of patients with sickle cell disease through impactful community-based partnerships.
On Saturday, August 27, the Red Cross will team up with partners in the Black community, like the National Pan-Hellenic Council — which is affectionately known as the Divine Nine — and others, to rally African American blood donors in Atlanta to support the blood transfusion needs of patients with sickle cell.
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 most 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 strokes.
Joined by Blood represents the powerful connection between blood donors and patients. During the months of September and October, the Red Cross will continue to partner with community organizations like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and many others to host blood drives and inspire donors who are Black to give blood to support patients with sickle cell disease. The National Pan-Hellenic Council is also hosting inaugural Joined by Blood drives in cities such as Atlanta and Washington, D.C., to encourage members of historically Black fraternities and sororities, affectionately known as the Divine Nine, to roll up a sleeve and give blood this fall.
With a goal of at least 150 donations, the NPHC and Red Cross encourage communities to make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood. All participating donors will receive a $20 Amazon.com E-gift Card and a T-shirt. To make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Enter sponsor code: NPHC.
To learn more about the importance of blood donations from the African American community, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.
Help save lives by attending the following location:
Saturday, August 27: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friendship Baptist Church 80 Walnut St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Blood drive safety precautions
Over the past two years, the Red Cross has continued to assess our COVID-19 safety protocols as the pandemic environment has evolved. On April 25, the Red Cross removed its mask requirement for individuals attending blood drives and donation centers as a result of CDC mask guidance, lower infection rates, and strong vaccine effectiveness. Moving forward, the Red Cross will continue to monitor CDC transmission information, as well as Red Cross infection rates and state/local regulations to help inform our policy. To the extent that there are state or local laws that differ from our policy, the Red Cross will remain in compliance with these laws.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment before arriving at the drive.
How to donate blood
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. sponsor code: NPHC. Donors of all blood types are needed. 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, from a computer or mobile device on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports 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 perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org, cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.