OUR Blood Saves Lives

Who is impacted by sickle cell disease?

Approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with sickle cell disease. Most people

with sickle cell disease are African American or of African descent. In fact, the disease

affects 1 out of every 365 African American babies born in this country.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped (like a sickle) instead

of soft and round. As a result, it is difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry enough oxygen to

the rest of the body, which may result in severe pain, organ and tissue damage, or even strokes.

How is sickle cell disease treated?

Blood transfusions help provide a lifesaving treatment during a sickle cell pain crisis by

replacing sickled red blood cells with healthy red blood cells. This helps deliver oxygen to

tissues and organs and unblock blood vessels. Donated blood is the only source of this treatment.

How can I help?

Blood donors who are Black have the unique ability to help patients with sickle cell disease.

A person with sickle cell disease may need a precise pairing with a blood donor, especially if

frequent transfusions are necessary. If a patient receives a transfusion of a blood type that

is not a close match, they may form antibodies against the mismatched antigens. To help avoid

transfusion-related complications, a patient is more likely to find the most compatible blood match

from a donor of the same race or similar ethnicity.

Schedule a blood donation appointment and learn more at:

RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood