Story told by: Nick Gibson

The American Red Cross and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have shared a proud partnership for many years.

The Red Cross partners with leading national and local organizations, including the NAACP, to build collaborative programming to help the communities we serve

In March, the Red Cross of South Carolina welcomed NAACP members to the central chapter office in Columbia to highlight its services and provide a behind-the-scenes look at how blood is collected and processed. 

Brenda Murphy, President for NAACP South Carolina State Conference of Branches, says this partnership between both organizations is great, adding the NAACP has more than 10,000 members in the Palmetto State that can always help contribute to the mission of the American Red Cross.

“It was good today to come and to learn about the services here in South Carolina and what we can do to make a contribution.” 

The Red Cross is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals engaged in our humanitarian mission feel respected and valued. Across the organization, mission delivery is aligned with a commitment to access and consistency in how we serve and collaborate.

Brenda emphasizes that hosting blood drives is essential and that raising awareness in the African American community about the importance of blood donations is a top priority.

“It’s very important. I think today’s session was enlightening in terms of information,” said Brenda. “With us partnering together, we can have broad impact. I think getting information regarding sickle cell, and what the needs are is critical. I do believe if we become more aware of sickle cell, the needs, we will see more people coming forward to make donations.” 

Sickle cell disease is a common, inherited red blood disorder. Throughout their lives, individuals with sickle cell disease can suffer a range of conditions, including acute anemia, tissue and organ damage, terrible pain, and even strokes. 

Individuals with sickle cell disease can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime — needing as many as 100 units of blood per patient each year.

At the American Red Cross Central chapter office, blood is collected, processed, and then distributed to local and national hospitals for patients in need.

During Brenda’s visit, she was able to witness how that process works. 

“I thought this was primarily an administrative building,” said Brenda. “Definitely not aware of the work that’s done in terms of getting the blood units where they need to go throughout the entire state of South Carolina.”

Regarding the partnership between the Red Cross and the NAACP, Brenda says they plan to continue strengthening it for years to come.

To learn more about the importance of blood donation, visit redcrossblood.org.