Julius Nelson knows the value of a blood transfusion. Living with sickle cell disease, he has endured multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, relying on the availability of blood to survive and thrive.
As the American Red Cross marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Nelson is one of more than 100,000 Americans with the disease who depend on blood transfusions.
The Red Cross is celebrating a rebound in donations from Black Americans through community partnerships aimed at strengthening the blood supply.
The Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, which was launched in 2021, has inspired more than 140,000 first-time African American donors to give blood. It has also provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings.
Nelson, of Pottstown, Montgomery County, a self-described “sickle cell warrior,” said he is grateful that blood has always been available when he needed it. He encourages Black Americans to donate.
“You have no idea how that’s going to change someone else’s life, even if you can’t see it,” he said. “The important part is that you know that you did your part and that you are helping out your fellow African Americans and making our community stronger and better.”
Nelson said his family is “my biggest rock.” His sister, Jonna, also has sickle cell disease, while his father, Jonathan, is a blood donor. His mother, Julie, hosts blood drives in Philadelphia.
Sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affects one in every 365 African American newborns, according to the CDC.
Patients often require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
The Red Cross said blood donors who are Black are nearly three times more likely to be a match for these patients.
From September through October, the Red Cross is hosting its “Joined by Blood” activation, which includes more than 750 blood drives nationwide in partnership with organizations like the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and 100 Black Men of America.
“When our communities give together, we heal together,” said Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical officer for Red Cross Blood Services. “Through Joined by Blood, we transform individual acts of generosity into a powerful movement that helps patients and elevates entire communities.”
The Red Cross said that every two and a half minutes, someone with sickle cell disease arrives at a U.S. emergency room.
Since 2021, the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has provided 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings, invested $205,000 in scholarships for 41 students and collected more than 7,300 pints of blood at over 320 blood drives on HBCU campuses.
To schedule a blood donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood, use the Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
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