New Partnership Aimed at Increasing African American Blood Donations

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. and the American Red Cross announced a new five-year partnership and the launch of national blood drive and educational campaign to enhance awareness about sickle cell disease and address critical blood supply needs.

The initiative will also target African-American blood donors and highlight the need for a stable supply of blood donors of African descent.

The annual goal of the campaign is to mobilize 100 blood drives targeting African-American donors across the nation, with the anticipation that upwards of 15,000 blood donations will be made. Through collaboration with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, colleges and universities, hospitals, the goal is to ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood products.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. For more information, visit redcross.org.

About SCDAA:

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America's mission is to advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure. Visit sicklecelldisease.org for more information.

About SCFG:

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia is one of the oldest sickle cell-focused institutions in the nation, with a mission to reduce the incidence of sickle cell disease, to monitor the prevalence of sickle cell and to help improve the quality of life for persons afflicted with the disease. Visit sicklecellga.org for more information.