One in Three African American Blood Donors is a Match for People with Sickle Cell

Red Cross launches Joined by Blood partnerships to help increase compatible blood donations for patients, most of whom are of African descent in the U.S.

   (Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, DC — As Sickle Cell Awareness Month is underway this September, the American Red Cross is teaming up with organizations in the Black community to rally blood donors who are Black to support patients with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., mostly affecting patients of African descent who may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime. Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell disease — possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions.

One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.

That’s why the Red Cross is working with trusted organizations including the National Pan-Hellenic Council — also known as the Divine Nine, comprised of historically Black fraternities and sororities — through special Joined by Blood partnerships in September and October.

“The National Pan-Hellenic Council is proud to partner with the American Red Cross for its Joined by Blood effort to grow the number of blood donors who are Black and help patients with sickle cell disease — a problem of mutual interest to our member organizations and the communities we serve,” said Donna Jones Anderson, national president of the National Pan- Hellenic Council. “We’re asking each of our organizations, local collegiate and alumni NPHC councils to join us in a collaborative effort to host blood drives and encourage our communities to give blood. Through our collective action, we can help save lives.”