Williamson County Chamber: Red Cross Initiative Aims To Increase Blood Availability For Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

Press release from Williamson County Chamber:

September 13, 2021

News Release

Media contact: Sherri McKinney, 615-425-6679, @RedCrossTN, RedCrossBlood.org

Red Cross initiative aims to increase blood availability for patients with sickle cell disease

Blood transfusions from donors who are Black may provide best outcomes for patients

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (Sept. 14, 2021) — When patients living with sickle cell disease face a sickle cell crisis, blood transfusions can make a lifesaving difference. That’s why the American Red Cross has launched an initiative to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease, an enduring and often invisible health disparity in the U.S.

Over 100,000 people in the U.S. have sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder, and the majority of patients are of African descent. Despite the discovery of the disease more than a century ago, there have been fewer health resources available to help those currently suffering from sickle cell crisis in comparison to similar diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with sickle cell disease experience worse health outcomes than comparable diseases.

A closer blood match leads to better outcomes

Many patients with sickle cell disease will require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. Unfortunately, these patients may develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. Many individuals who are Black have distinct markers on their red blood cells that make their donations ideal for helping patients with sickle cell disease. More than half of blood donors who are Black have blood that is free of C, E and K antigens – making them the best match for those with sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross asks members of the Black community to join in helping to address this health disparity and meet the needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Donors can take action today by scheduling a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, by downloading the Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. To help tackle the need for blood in September – Sickle Cell Awareness Month − all donors who come to give with the Red Cross Sept. 13-30 will receive a limited-edition football-themed T-shirt, while supplies last.

Life-threatening complications

Sickle cell disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause extreme pain. When hardened, the cells can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure.

“Transfusions provide healthy blood cells, unblocking blood vessels and delivering oxygen,” said Dr. Melanie Wooten, American Red Cross Tennessee Region Medical Director.

“By increasing the amount of closely matched blood products, the Red Cross is able to help ensure the right blood product is available at the right time for patients facing a sickle cell crisis – minimizing complications for those with rare blood types fighting sickle cell disease.”

Every transfusion counts

Community partners lending support

Partnerships with national and local organizations within the Black community are critical to building trust, sharing information and working together to engage new donors to help save lives. Nationally, the Red Cross is thrilled to announce new partnerships with preeminent organizations like the NAACP and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. to raise awareness about sickle cell disease as a persisting and heartbreaking health disparity, and to help patients with sickle cell disease by encouraging blood donations from individuals who are Black.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 14-30:

Fort Campbell

9/15/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fort Campbell PX, 2840 Bastogne Avenue

9/17/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fort Campbell Commissary, 2606 Indiana Avenue

9/17/2021: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Blanchfield Army Hospital, 650 Joel Drive

Albany

9/30/2021: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., The Medical Center at Albany, 723 Burkesville Rd

Clinton

9/20/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 210 South Washington Street

Benton

9/21/2021: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Marshall County High School, 416 High School Road

Bowling Green

9/15/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

9/16/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Rich Pond Baptist Church, 200 Brad Ave

9/17/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

9/22/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

9/24/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

9/28/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College-Building F, 1845 Loop Drive

9/29/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., William Natcher Elementary, 1434 Cave Mill Road

9/29/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

Oakland

9/17/2021: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Lions Club Smith Grove, 410 Church St

Bell Buckle

9/14/2021: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cascade High School, 3035 Fairfield Pike

Shelbyville

9/14/2021: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Baptist Shelbyville, 304 East Depot Street

9/21/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Elite Physical Therapy, 1116 North Main

Big Sandy

9/24/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Big Sandy Senior Citizen’s Center, 224 2nd Ave.

Woodbury

9/16/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Lions Club Building, 634 Lehman Street

Manchester

9/27/2021: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Manchester Recreation Complex, 557 N. Woodland Street

Tullahoma

9/14/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 200 NE Atlantic St

Goodlettsville

9/26/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Connell Memorial United Methodist Church, 113 Church Street

Madison

9/26/2021: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 1217 Gallatin Rd. South

Nashville

9/14/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/14/2021: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kroger Bellevue, 7087 Hwy 70 S

9/15/2021: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Pike

9/15/2021: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/15/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Inn at Opryland, 2401 Music Valley Drive

9/16/2021: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

9/16/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/17/2021: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

9/17/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/18/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/19/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/19/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Northside Church of Christ, 1375 Old Hickory Blvd.

9/20/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/21/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saint Thomas West Hospital, 4220 Harding Road

9/21/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., UBS Financial West End, 3102 West End Avenue

9/21/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/22/2021: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/23/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/24/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/25/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/26/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/27/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Legion Post 88, 2717 McCampbell

9/27/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/28/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Loveless Cafe, 8400 Highway 100

9/28/2021: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Spence Hall, 1000 17th Avenue North

9/28/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/28/2021: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

9/29/2021: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

9/29/2021: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Vanderbilt Health-Belle Meade, 6002 Highway 100

9/29/2021: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

9/30/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Donelson Fellowship, 3210 McGavock Pk

9/30/2021: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

9/30/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

Pulaski

9/27/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., The Rec Center, 333 East College Street

Summertown

9/29/2021: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Summertown Saddle & Bridle Club, Highway 20

Hohenwald

9/20/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Hohenwald Church of Christ, 110 Park Avenue South

Lewisburg

9/14/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Church Street Church of Christ, 305 West Church Street

Columbia

9/15/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 812 Nashville Highway, Hwy 31 North

9/23/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 812 Nashville Highway, Hwy 31 North

Spring Hill

9/20/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., UAW- Local 1853, 125 Stephen P Yokich Pkwy

Clarksville

9/15/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

9/20/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

9/22/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

9/27/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

9/29/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

Livingston

9/27/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Livingston Regional Education Bldg, 406 1st Street

Cookeville

9/20/2021: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Putnam County Library, 50 E. Broad St.

Monterey

9/27/2021: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monterey Branch Library, 401 East Commercial Avenue

Greenbrier

9/21/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Green Ridge Church of Christ, 2215 Highway 41S

9/22/2021: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Greenbrier First Baptist Church, Hwy 41

Murfreesboro

9/14/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/16/2021: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/17/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/18/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/19/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/20/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/21/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/21/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Bethel Community Church, 1503 Sulphur Springs Road

9/23/2021: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/24/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/25/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/26/2021: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/27/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/28/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/30/2021: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

9/30/2021: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., World Outreach Church, 1921 New Salem Highway

Carthage

9/22/2021: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Riverview Regional Medical Center, 158 Hospital Drive

Hendersonville

9/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Lowe’s Home Improvement, 360 East Main Street

9/15/2021: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 217 East Main Street

Waynesboro

9/16/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Waynesboro Church of Christ, 304 Hassell Street

Brentwood

9/17/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

9/21/2021: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., GEODIS, 7101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 300

9/22/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

9/28/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

9/29/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

9/30/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., LifePoint Health, 330 Seven Springs Way

9/30/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

Franklin

9/14/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Residence Inn Berry Farms Franklin TN, 8078 Berry Farms Crossing

9/16/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Natchez Trace American Red Cross Chapter, 129 West Fowlkes St, Ste 100

9/16/2021: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Westhaven Community, 401 Cheltenham Avenue

9/19/2021: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Saint Philip Catholic Church, 113 2nd Ave.

9/19/2021: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saint Philip Catholic Church, 113 2nd Ave.

9/20/2021: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., FIRSTBANK, 722 Columbia Ave.

9/21/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Franklin Park, 6100 Tower Circle

9/22/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., NHC Place at Cool Springs, 211 Cool Springs Blvd.

9/23/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Natchez Trace American Red Cross Chapter, 129 West Fowlkes St, Ste 100

9/24/2021: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Vanderbilt Medical Group, 2105 Edward Curd Lane

9/25/2021: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1100 Gray Fox Lane

9/26/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, 101 Legends Club Lane

9/27/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., CoolSprings Galleria, 1800 Galleria Blvd.

9/28/2021: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Renaissance High School, 108 Everbright Avenue

9/30/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Natchez Trace American Red Cross Chapter, 129 West Fowlkes St, Ste 100

9/30/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Two Meridian, 501 Corporate Center Dr.

Thompsons Station

9/15/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Kroger Marketplace, 4726 Traders Way

Lebanon

9/16/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wilson County Veterans Building, 945 E. Baddour Parkway

Mount Juliet

9/14/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Celebration Lutheran Church, 3425 N Mount Juliet Road

9/30/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Mt Juliet Community Center, 1075 Charlie Daniels Parkway

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Health insights for donors

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

This press release was produced by Williamson County Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.