Join the Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease
- More than 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease.
- Sickle cell disease affects 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births.
- People with sickle cell disease may need as many as 100 units of blood each year.
- Your blood donations could help alleviate the symptoms of someone living with sickle cell disease, or even help save their life.
Donating blood can save a life, somebody like me with sickle cell disease. I would encourage anybody healthy to donate blood. You never know who you’re saving.
DayShana Jones, sickle cell patient, describing the importance of blood donations.
Are You Ready To Give Blood?
Your blood donation could be what patients with sickle cell disease need to treat their condition.
Blood donation is essential in ensuring the health of our communities.
The Red Cross has initiated additional safety measures during this challenging time. Learn more here.
About Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a common, inherited red blood disorder. Throughout their lives, individuals with sickle cell disease can suffer a range of conditions, including acute anemia, tissue and organ damage, terrible pain and even strokes.
- Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body through a substance called hemoglobin. Normal red blood cells are soft, round, and can squeeze through tiny blood vessels.
- People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that contain mostly hemoglobin S, an abnormal hemoglobin type. These red blood cells are stiff, distorted in shape (like a sickle) and sometimes block small blood vessels.This is what causes the complications of sickle cell disease and why blood transfusions from people with healthy red blood cells can help.
- You can’t catch sickle cell disease, but for patients born with it, there is currently no widely used cure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I help people with SCD?
How do I make a donation?
How long will it take to donate?
When you donate, blood is tested for specific antigens that are needed to treat sickle cell disease. If your blood contains those characteristics, we will let you know, so you can help sickle cell patients by donating whole blood, plasma, or platelets.
Help fight sickle cell disease. Schedule a blood donation today.
How do I make a blood donation?
Scheduling an appointment for a blood donation has never been easier! Our Blood Donor app (over 1 million downloads and counting!) and online scheduler make it quick to set up your appointment. Take a minute to download it now, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also bring a friend or family member with you to pass the time talking while donating. The need for donations is constant.
Help fight sickle cell disease. Schedule a blood donation today.
How much time will it take to donate?
A whole blood donation takes about ten minutes to collect, but donors typically budget an hour for the entire process. Many of our whole blood donors come in to donate every 56 days. But if you’re able to spend a little more time, consider a Power Red donation. Power Red is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you. And Power Red donors only come in every 112 days.
Help fight sickle cell disease. Schedule a blood donation today.
Hear More From Those Living With Sickle Cell Disease
"When I receive the blood donations that I need, I feel like I’m back to myself. I don’t feel the pain. I don’t feel drained. It’s like putting gas in the car or batteries in your remote. I’m energized!"
Blaze Eppinger, describing how he feels after receiving a blood transfusion
"With COVID-19, this might be one of the times people like me need blood the most. If we can’t get the blood we need, we may have further complications. If those who depend on blood transfusions catch coronavirus, it could be more severe if blood isn’t available."
Jalen Matthews, on the impact of COVID-19 on sickle cell patients
In the United States, an estimated 100,000 people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds have sickle cell disease, with the majority being of African descent. Blood from people of the same race or similar ethnicity is important in ensuring the best transfusion results, with the least potential reaction.
Want more info?
Check out additional information on sickle cell disease from these sources:
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
OR
Call us at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information or to schedule an appointment.
You can also download the free Blood Donor App.