Media Contact: Rebecca Marshall
Rebecca.marshall2@redcross.org | 503-307-2060

Portland, Ore. (Sept. 21, 2024) — During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross is calling on African American and Latino blood donors to help ensure a diverse blood supply to help meet the transfusion needs of those battling sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.

In the U.S. sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people, most of whom are of African descent or Latino descent. Blood and platelet donations are vital in supporting patients with sickle disease undergoing gene therapies and stem cell transplants, as well as those who need regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage their disease. Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH BLOOD DRIVE

When: Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 7:30am-1pm.

• (10:00am-11:30am) Come meet those who have struggled with this disease and family members whose lives have been altered due to someone with sickle cell.
   

Where: Portland Center Donor Room, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR

How: Visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

Link to photos found HERE.

Those who come to give Sept. 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, all 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.

Background:

New cell-based gene therapies provide groundbreaking treatment options for people battling sickle cell disease in the U.S., but blood donations remain critical to helping ensure these medical procedures can be completed. During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross is hosting over 500 blood drives nationwide and highlighting the vital role of blood donors to support these and other life-changing treatments for patients with this inherited blood disorder. As many as 50 units of blood and up to 25 units of platelets may be needed for a single patient undergoing gene therapy for sickle cell disease.

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 and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; 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/Oregon or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media at @RedCrossCascades.