COLUMBIA, S.C., June 16, 2022--In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people – the majority of whom are of African descent – have sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is essential in managing the pain and long-term health of those with sickle cell disease. Blood donations from individuals of the same race or similar ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. To meet these needs, the American Red Cross is working to increase the number of Black individuals giving blood to help patients with sickle cell.

Sickle Cell advocacy groups, including The B Strong Group, Faith Elevated, DRE 365, James R Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation, The AAH Foundation, and Prisma Health Infusion Center, are coming together ahead of World Sickle Cell to host the ‘Stronger Together’ Blood Drive on Friday, June 17 from 1 - 6 pm at the Columbia donor center. All who come to give at the Stronger Together Blood Drive will receive a $20 Amazon e-gift card and a swag bag.

"We need you to come and give your blood. Why? Because your blood can save our lives," said Timothy Griffin, a sickle cell warrior. "There are many people that you don't see who are in the hospital today who are struggling in their battle with sickle cell disease and they need your blood. Come out and support us." 

Sickle cell disease is an enduring – and often invisible – health disparity in the U.S. Despite the discovery of the disease more than a century ago, there have been fewer health resources available to help those currently who have sickle cell disease in comparison to similar diseases. That’s why the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative seeks to raise awareness about this health disparity and increase much-needed blood donations from individuals who are Black through community partnerships, which will help ensure closely matched blood products are available for patients with sickle cell disease. 

World Sickle Cell Day coincides with Juneteenth - a federal holiday in the U.S. commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans and it’s also often observed for celebrating African-American culture.

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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