HAMPTON ROADS
The Coastal Virginia American Red Cross and the Sickle Cell Association are asking African Americans in Hampton Roads to donate blood to support a current shortage being experienced by patients with Sickle Cell.
Sickle cell disease affects almost all races; however, it largely affects African Americans who depend on blood transfusions that must be matched very closely to reduce the risk of complications.
However, she said, “Despite the steep decline in blood donations, the need for blood products for patients with sickle cell disease has remained relatively stead.”
Additionally, African American blood donors are vital for many patients with rare blood types, like those with sickle cell disease, who depend on blood that must be matched very closely to reduce the risk of complications.”
A single patient with sickle cell disease can receive up to 50-100 pints of blood each year.
