The American Red Cross Indiana Region is partnering with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. District of Indiana for their annual district conference in Fort Wayne to host a blood drive as part of the Red Cross Sickle Cell initiative.

“As servants of our community we have chosen to dedicate this district service project to the dire need for blood donors. This impacts all communities and thus is pertinent to our beliefs,” said Kyle Bartos, brand manager, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. District of Indiana.

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder, and it affects about 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent. It causes red blood cells to be sticky, hard and crescent-shaped instead of soft and round. This makes it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, acute anemia and even strokes.

Blood transfusion helps patients with sickle cell disease by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen and unblock blood vessels. One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help patients in need, the community is invited to donate during the Alpha Phi Alpha Blood Drive.

Alpha Phi Alpha Blood Drive
Saturday, March 2^nd
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Purdue University-Fort Wayne – Walb Student Union
2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

HOW TO DONATE – Schedule your appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering sponsor code: AlphaPhi. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives, and a diverse blood supply is needed to help the diverse patients who depend on it,” said Julie Brady, regional donor services executive for the Indiana Red Cross. “We are grateful for Alpha Phi Alpha’s support of our lifesaving mission.”

MORE ABOUT BLOOD DONATION - Completion of a RapidPass^® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 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.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its six chapters: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross.