Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 9, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Utah has joined forces with the Calvary Baptist Church to host a blood drive aimed at boosting blood donations, particularly from the Black community, to support patients with sickle cell disease. The blood drive is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church gym, 1090 South State St.
“We're thankful at Calvary Baptist Church for our ongoing relationship with the American Red Cross of Utah. Our goal is to increase the number of Black blood donors who can help sickle cell patients in our community,” said church pastor, the Rev. Dr. Oscar T. Moses. “People with sickle cell disease need blood transfusions. We hope our community will donate and encourage others too.”
One in three African Americans are a match for people with sickle cell, making them particularly crucial blood donors for patients of this often extremely painful disease. “Calvary Baptist Church is instrumental in helping us reach these potential donors and diversify our blood supply,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Our partnership with Calvary Baptist Church shows the significant impact we can make when working together.”
The importance of Black blood donors
Sickle cell disease largely affects those of African descent. These patients may require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives. While donors from all racial or ethnic groups can be a match for a sickle cell patient, about one-third of all African Americans possess unique blood characteristics that best match those with the sickle cell disease.
Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises in those battling sickle cell disease, potentially increasing the demand for vital blood transfusions. “Patients should not have to worry about the availability of closely matched blood products for their treatment,” Lafranca said.
The Red Cross is currently grappling with a nationwide emergency blood shortage due to a 20-year low in the number of blood donors. This ongoing shortage could threaten treatments for patients relying on blood transfusions, such a sickle cell and cancer patients. The Red Cross plays a pivotal role in maintaining the country's blood supply, contributing approximately 40% of all collected blood. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Amazon gift card reward
If immediate donation opportunities are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments for future dates to help maintain a steady blood supply. All those who donate blood, platelets or plasma from February 1-29, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for more details.
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 follow us on social media.