EVANSVILLE – The American Red Cross is hosting a dedicated blood drive for Sickle Cell Awareness Month to bring attention to the need for diverse donors urgently needed to help patients with sickle cell disease. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will be in attendance to read and provide a proclamation for this important drive.
“Those with sickle cell are persistently in the fight of their lives battling this disease,” said Theo Boots, executive director for the southwest chapter of the American Red Cross – Indiana Region. “A blood transfusion is an essential treatment, and blood donations from individuals of the same ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help those patients in their fight.”
“This month, our community will show support and spread awareness for patients battling sickle cell disease,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. “Special thanks to the American Red Cross – Indiana Region and other organizations for their collaborative efforts in educating the community and providing services to those patients.”
Blood Drive in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Friday, September 3, 2021
2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Evansville Community Development Annex
315 Taylor Avenue; Evansville, IN 47713
About Sickle Cell
About 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease. Most are of African descent. The disease causes red blood cells to harden and form a C-shape (like a sickle). When hardened, the cells can get caught in blood vessels and cause serious complications for patients. These complications can include severe pain, respiratory conditions, organ failure, and even stroke.
There is no widely used cure for sickle cell disease. However, the Red Cross supports one of the most critical sickle cell treatments of all – blood transfusions. For many patients, a close blood type match is essential and is found in donors of the same race or similar ethnicity. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/diversity/sicklecell.html
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 Indiana Region of the American Red Cross:
The Indiana Region serves 104 counties across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois through its six-chapter areas: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). For more information on the Indiana Region: www.redcross.org/indiana. Follow the Indiana Region on Twitter at @INRedCross, on Instagram at @indianaredcross, or www.facebook.com/INRedCross.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports 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 perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
