September is sickle cell awareness month. About 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the country. The American Red Cross has a number of blood drives scheduled throughout September focused on collecting blood to help those impacted by sickle cell disease.
Ohio Magistrates
Hilton Columbus Polaris
8700 Lyra Dr
Columbus, OH 43240
Sponsor Code: Magistrates
Wolfe Park
Wolfe Park Shelterhouse
105 Park Dr
Columbus, OH 43209
Sponsor Code: WolfePark
Phi Beta Sigma
995 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43205
Sponsor Code: Phi Beta
Urban One
995 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43205
Sponsor Code: UrbanOne
Nationwide Children’s Be the Match
700 Childrens Drive
Columbus, OH 43205
Sponsor Code: BTM
Central State University
1400 Brush Row Road
Wilberforce, OH 45384
Sponsor Code: CSU
Sickle cell disease 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. Red blood cells carry markers on their surface called antigens that determine blood type. Some are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups, and because of this, those with sickle cell disease are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor who is Black.
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.
