Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 1, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Utah is teaming up with the Calvary Baptist Church to encourage blood donation, especially from the Black community, to help support patients with sickle cell disease, on Friday, Feb. 10, at 1090 South State St., from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the church gym.
“The Calvary Baptist Church is pleased to partner with the American Red Cross in its effort to grow the number of Black blood donors, uniquely suited to help patients with sickle cell disease, an issue facing some of those in the community we serve,” said Reverend Dr. Oscar T. Moses, church pastor. “Those with sickle cell disease depend on blood transfusions, and we hope our community will give and spread the word to others.”
One in three African Americans are a match for people with sickle cell disease, making them especially important blood donors to patients with the disease. “Calvary Baptist Church is working with us to reach the needed donors for sickle cell patients, as well as encouraging diversity in our blood supply,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “A community partnership such as this demonstrates the power of making a difference together.”
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.
Mostly affecting patients of African descent, sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetimes. “The disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause them to get caught in blood vessels and trigger severe pain, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Divisional Chief Medical Officer for the Pacific, Rocky Mountain, and Southwest Divisions of the American Red Cross. “Transfusions provide healthy blood cells, unblocking blood vessels and delivering oxygen, minimizing the crises patients with sickle cell may face.”
Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell disease – possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions. “One treatment a patient should not have to worry about is the availability of a closely matched blood product to ease their pain,” Dr. Kelley said.
Support those with sickle cell disease
Schedule a blood donation appointment for the Calvary Baptist Church blood drive by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code: CalvarySLC.
Give blood in February. Get a reward
All who give blood, platelets, or plasma Feb. 1-28, will receive a $10 gift card courtesy Amazon.com via email. Those who come to donate in February will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida, including a three-night hotel stay, round-trip airfare, a $750 gift card, and more. Details are available at rcblood.org/heart.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.