SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 — When patients living with sickle cell disease face a sickle cell crisis, blood transfusions can make a lifesaving difference. That’s why the American Red Cross seeks to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S. Local donors can join this effort by giving blood at one of five blood drives scheduled in Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane.

More than 100,000 people live with sickle cell disease nationwide, and the majority of patients are of African descent. The disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause extreme pain. When hardened, the cells can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure. Blood transfusions are often used in treatment, and many individuals who are Black have distinct markers on their red blood cells that make their blood donations the most compatible match for helping patients with sickle cell disease. One in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.
 

SICKLE CELL BLOOD DRIVES

Northwest African American Museum

Thursday, September 5

1:00 – 6:00 p.m.

2300 S Massachusetts St.

Seattle, WA 98144

KD Hall Foundation

“Resilient Hearts: Sickle Cell Education & Blood Donation”

Wednesday, September 11

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

2100 24^th Ave S.

Seattle, WA 98144

Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle

Friday, September 13

11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

901 Rainier Ave S.

Seattle, WA 98144

Tacoma Urban League

Tuesday, September 17

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

2550 Yakima Ave

Tacoma, WA 98405

Martin Luther King Center

Monday, September 23

12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

500 S. Stone Street

Spokane, WA 99202

Donors can take action today by scheduling a blood donation appointment at one of our Sickle Cell blood drives or other collection events by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Health insights for donors

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.  

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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 not-for-profit 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.