By Angela Hunter
The Times Weekly, Website
The American Red Cross has launched Joined by Blood, a fall-focused component of the Sickle Cell Initiative, to help improve the health outcomes of those with sickle cell disease through impactful community-based partnerships.
In September and October, the Red Cross is teaming up with community organizations like the National Pan-Hellenic Council – known as the Divine Nine – and others to host blood drives and inspire donors who are Black to give blood to support people living with sickle cell.
Sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people across the country, most of whom are of African descent. Regular blood transfusions are critical to managing extreme pain and life-threatening complications faced by many. Unfortunately, they may develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, because most individuals who are Black have unique structures on their red blood cells that are not often found in other donor populations, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.
The Red Cross is thrilled to have the support of preeminent organizations like the NAACP, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, the National Pan-Hellenic Council as well as others to expand blood donation opportunities in Black communities and to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients in need, especially those batting sickle cell disease.
Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell – possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions. As summer ends the red cross is asking the community to book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Blood donation opportunities Sept. 7-30 in the immediate area
- 9/12/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Romeoville Recreation Center, 900 W Romeo Rd
- 9/16/2022: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Community Service Council, 440 Quadrangle Dr., Suite C
- 9/16/2022: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 1293 Windham Parkway
- 9/22/2022: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 1293 Windham Parkway
- 9/23/2022: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road
- 9/26/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt
- 9/27/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt
- 9/29/2022: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Louis Joliet Mall, 3340 Mall Loop Drive
To donate blood 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.
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