Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 25, 2024) – September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada urges blood donation to help those impacted by this devastating disease in our state. Patients with sickle cell disease may need up to 100 blood transfusion in a single year to combat their symptoms.

“Sickle Cell Awareness Month brings focus to our continuing efforts to combat sickle cell disease through blood donations and awareness campaigns,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter. “With community support, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell and help ensure more people have access to lifesaving treatments and resources.”

Helping Patients Thrive through the Sickle Cell Initiative
The Red Cross launched its national Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve health outcomes. One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.

Since the launch of the initiative, the number of first-time African American blood donors giving with the Red Cross has grown to more than 108,000 — helping to strengthen and diversify the blood supply, while reversing the trend of declining donors overall for this group. Additionally, through this work, the Red Cross has provided more than 224,000 sickle cell trait screenings to donors who self-identify as African American, Black or multiracial.

Health insights for donors
About 1 in 13 Black or African American newborns in the U.S. has the sickle cell trait. Many are unaware of they carry this trait. The Red Cross now tests all donations from self-identified multiracial or Black or African American blood donors for the sickle cell trait to provide valuable health insights. “This additional screening helps the Red Cross identify compatible blood types quickly to help sickle cell patients,” Flanigan said. “Our screening provides Black blood donors with valuable personal health insight.”

Find a donation appointment near you
Find a convenient time and place to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or on your Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give blood Sept. 16-30 will get a $15 e-gift card to their merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.

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 follow us on social media.

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