Increased diversity among blood donors critical to treatment of sickle cell patients
Washington, DC – America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply, has joined forces with allies to observe Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September and call for increased diversity among blood donors to meet patient needs. Blood from a diverse donor base is critical for those living with diseases like sickle cell that require blood components matched more precisely than just blood type, matches more likely to be found in donors of a similar racial and ethnic background of the recipient patient. Those interested in donating can find the local community blood center near them online here.
This is a crucial time to highlight the importance of blood transfusions for individuals with sickle cell, an inherited blood disorder that affects around 100,000 people in the United States. Less than 20 percent of all blood donations currently come from communities of color, despite sickle cell being prevalent in 1 out of every 365 African American births. To support those with sickle cell and similar diseases, it is essential to increase diversity among blood donors to ensure blood is available for those who depend on it.
“Sickle cell patients depend on a diverse and readily available blood supply to address the effects of their condition and manage complications. Unfortunately, less than twenty percent of all blood donations currently come from communities of color. Sickle Cell Awareness Month is a yearly reminder for blood donors across the nation to generously contribute and help build a more diverse and accessible blood supply for the many individuals who regularly rely on it,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers.
“Individuals living with sickle cell disease face many systemic barriers to accessing high-quality health care, and one major hurdle that continues to challenge the community is a limited blood supply. To combat this issue and improve outcomes for individuals living with SCD, we need younger, more diverse populations to become regular blood donors. National Sickle Cell Awareness Month presents an incredible opportunity to emphasize the vital impact of regularly donating blood and inspire a new generation of diverse blood donors to get involved and save a life,” said Marjani Cephus, Sickle Cell Disease Programs Specialist at the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition.
“Sickle cell and blood donation go hand in hand, since the gift of blood is often a lifeline for those living with this challenging condition. Together, let’s raise awareness, break barriers, and make a lasting impact by giving blood during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Every donation has the power to save a life and offer hope to those in need,” said Rae Blaylark, President and CEO of the Sickle Cell Foundation of MN.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month, first recognized by the federal government in 1983, is observed globally in September. This annual event aims to increase awareness about sickle cell disease and generate funding for research. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that results in red blood cells assuming a sickle or crescent shape. Individuals affected by this condition frequently experience chronic anemia and may require regular blood transfusions.
ABC has released a first of its kind guide that highlighted that although a blood transfusion is needed every two seconds in the United States, just three percent of the U.S. population donates blood each year. A single donation can help two or more patients in need, and each donation can be separated into more than one blood product, including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers. Its member organizations operate more than 600 blood collection sites providing close to 60 percent of the U.S., and a quarter of the Canadian, blood supply. These blood centers serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities across North America. All ABC U.S. members are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.AmericasBlood.org.
###