The Sickle Cell Association of Delaware hosted Juneteenth blood drive amid ongoing blood emergency
Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) and the Sickle Cell Association of Delaware co-hosted a blood drive in recognition of World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth on June 19. The drive took place at H. Fletcher Brown Boys & Girls Club in Wilmington, DE.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, World Sickle Cell Day raises awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD), a blood disorder that affects the red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. People living with SCD often experience sudden, severe, and chronic pain episodes. More than 100,000 people in the United States live with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black and African American communities. Because patients often require closely matched blood from donors of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds to reduce the risk of complications, the need for diverse blood donors is especially critical.
“Sickle cell patients who need frequent transfusions have better outcomes if they receive blood from patients from similar demographics,”Blood Bank of Delmarva Vice President, Operations, Kristin Frederick said.
Donna Monroe, Founder and Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Association of Delaware, was among the first to donate blood on June 19. Her granddaughter has sickle cell anemia.
“There’s not really a cure,” says Donna. “There’s still a major need for blood, and there’s a blood shortage. I’m doing it for a good cause. I’m doing it to save a child’s life.”
Donors can also visit Be the Reason to view more, upcoming summer donation opportunities, learn about additional donor promotions, and find convenient locations to donate.
Last but not least, Channel 6ABC Action News covered this event. WPVI: Sickle Cell Day Blood Drive.