Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative reverses decline of African American blood donors, giving over 100,000 patients hope

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is celebrating a rebound in blood donations from Black Americans through innovative community partnerships that help deliver lifesaving relief to more than 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease who depend on blood transfusions.

Launched in 2021, the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has inspired more than 140,000 first-time African American donors to roll up a sleeve, strengthening the blood supply for patients in need and allowing them to survive and thrive. The initiative has also provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings, raising critical awareness in communities most impacted by the disease.

At the heart of this work are sickle cell warriors like Kelly Bernard-Igwe, who suffered a stroke at four years old due to complications from sickle cell disease that could have derailed her dreams. But over 280 blood transfusions later, she's now a wife, a nurse, and recently became Dr. Kelly Bernard-Igwe, CRNA, after earning her Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree last year.

"I wouldn't be alive without transfusions," said Dr. Bernard-Igwe, who receives 7 to 8 units of blood every six to seven weeks through red blood cell exchange procedures that help prevent complications of sickle cell disease. "Once I receive the blood, I feel re-energized and rejuvenated. I call it 'getting my refill.'"

Making An Impact

Since launching in 2021, the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has achieved several transformative milestones:

• Provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings to donors who self-identified as African American, Black or multiracial to increase sickle cell trait awareness
• Invested $205,000 in future leaders through the Red Cross Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship Program, awarding $5,000 scholarships to 41 students who demonstrated outstanding commitment to helping patients with sickle cell disease
• Collected over 7,300 pints of lifesaving blood at more than 320 blood drives on HBCU campuses through the Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Program, creating a powerful legacy of collaboration that has strengthened communities

According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects one in every 365 African American newborns, making it the most common inherited blood disorder in the country, with many patients requiring blood transfusions throughout their lifetime. Blood donors who are Black are almost three times more likely to be a match for these patients compared to other donors-making the increase in African American donors critical.

Patients with sickle cell disease undergoing stem cell or gene therapy treatments also benefit from blood and platelet donations that are closely matched to avoid transfusion-related complications. To help ensure these lifesaving treatments remain available, the Red Cross is mobilizing communities through its fall "Joined by Blood" activation.

Joined by Blood

From September through October, the Red Cross "Joined by Blood" activation will host more than 750 blood drives nationwide through partnerships with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, 100 Black Men of America, The Links, Incorporated, Delta Air Lines, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Jack and Jill of America, member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), faith-based organizations and more.

"Together, we have the power to help save lives and strengthen community health," said Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical officer, Red Cross Blood Services. "When our communities give together, we heal together. Through Joined by Blood, we transform individual acts of generosity into a powerful movement that helps patients and elevates entire communities."

About every two and a half minutes, someone with sickle cell disease arrives at a U.S. emergency room-and nearly 2 out of 3 times, they're in severe pain. In those critical moments, the availability of lifesaving blood can mean the difference between uncertainty and assurance when transfusion treatment is needed.

"It is so important to donate blood if you're able," said Dr. Bernard-Igwe. "Many of us rely on blood donations to live. Since sickle cell does affect mostly African Americans, it is of utmost importance to obtain more Black donors."

The Joined by Blood activation creates a powerful connection between donors and patients, giving those with sickle cell disease the security of knowing their communities stand ready to support them, while empowering donors to tap into their lifesaving power.

Those who present to give blood Aug. 29-Sept. 21 get an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with 1 of 4 special tee designs, while supplies last. Those who present to give Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, and those who present to give Oct. 20-Nov. 16 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice!

Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood , using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.