DETROIT (Sept. 13, 2023) – For the longest time Ashanti Bland was like most people living with the sickle cell trait who do not experience any symptoms of sickle cell disease, the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States. Then the unthinkable happened: in 2015, she experienced a rare case of complications.

The first sign was blood in the urine. The complications eventually worsened over time, and Bland was hospitalized for two weeks before an astute doctor connected the dots to her sickle cell trait. A red blood cell had “sickled” inside a blood vessel, impeding blood and urine flow. A procedure was performed to permanently restore their normal flow, and Bland has been symptom-free since.

“I don’t take for granted that someone saved my life,” said Bland, a resident of Southfield and mother of two children.

Bland is sharing her story to raise awareness about getting screened for the sickle cell trait and knowing your family history. Bland inherited the trait from her mom who instilled in her to not keep the information hidden from family or doctors.

“Have extensive knowledge of your family history. My mom always let people know I carry the sickle cell trait. She never let it go unheard,” Bland said. “And if you don’t know you carry the trait, find out.”

As part of its Sickle Cell Initiative, the American Red Cross currently tests all donations for the sickle cell trait from self-identified African Americans. Last month, the screening was expanded to include those who identify as multiracial. The screening involves a simple blood test.

It is estimated that about 1 in 13 Black or African American babies in the United States is born with the sickle cell trait, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many individuals are unaware if they carry the trait as testing at birth was not widely provided until 2006.

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the Red Cross reminds the public that blood transfusions are often critical to pain management for those with sickle cell disease. Key highlights:

• More than 100,000 people are estimated to have sickle cell disease and may require as many as 100 units of blood per patient every year.
• One in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.
• Many individuals who are Black have unique structures on their red blood cells that make their donations the most compatible blood to help patients with sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross is hosting these sickle cell blood drives through the end of September:

• Sept. 18, Eastern Michigan University, Student Center, Ballroom A,
  900 Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti, 48197
• Sept. 19, Ally Detroit Center, 3^rd Floor Meeting Room, 500 Woodward, Detroit, 48226
• Sept. 21, KLA Corp, 1200 Woodbridge, Ann Arbor, 48105
• Sept. 22, First Baptist Church of Detroit, Fellowship Hall, 21100 Southfield Road, Southfield, 48033
• Sept. 29, Central Michigan University, University Towers, Classrooms 141 and 142,
  212 W. Broomfield, Mount Pleasant, 48858

To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Throughout September, all those who come to give will receive an email coupon for a free haircut courtesy of Sport Clips Haircuts and be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. You can find more details at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz | david.olejarz@redcross.org | 313-303-0606

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.