There is an ongoing national initiative to increase the diversity of our donor base because African American blood donors may have the unique ability to help patients, such as those battling sickle cell disease. The most compatible blood match for patients receiving blood transfusions often come from donors of the same race or similar ethnicity.
Communities across the Chicagoland area rely on the American Red Cross for help every day, but we can’t do it alone. We need your help to address a critical need for African American blood donors to support patients battling sickle cell disease. Since mid-March of 2020, the number of African Americans donating blood with the Red Cross has dropped by more than half. This low donor turnout is largely due to blood drive cancellations at businesses, churches and schools and the disproportionate COVID-19 infection rates for African Americans compared to other ethnicities. Despite the steep decline in blood donations, the need for blood products for patients with sickle cell disease has remained relatively steady.
Schedule your appointment today by clicking on the link below: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=St.MatthewUMC
