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One of the most common treatments for Sickle Cell Anemia, which causes redblood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape, is regular blood transfusionsto help reduce the risks of stroke, damage to major organs that can lead tosevere infections, and other complications that can arise from the disease.Many donors need blood transfusions every few weeks to help keep the effectsof the disease at bay, and transfusions from blood donors of the same ethnicbackground are even more beneficial because they have less chance of causingcomplications for the recipient.
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"Giving blood is an easy way to help someone in need and feel good aboutdoing it," said Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member Patti Labelle."With so many people in our community suffering from sickle cell anemia, it'salso the right thing to do to help our neighbors and friends in need."
Additionally, African Americans are more likely to have blood type O and Bthan other populations. These types are particularly in need, so scheduling adonation can also help alleviate blood shortages around the country.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE, or visithttp://www.givelife.org.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond toemergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employeeshelped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills tomillions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stayconnected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, thelargest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. TheAmerican Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red CrescentMovement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends isinvested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not agovernment agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do itswork.
SOURCE American Red Cross
