Red Cross Media Contact:
Ashley Henyan, 843-571-8945, ashley.henyan@redcross.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC (June 19, 2023)—The national America Red Cross headquarters, located at 430 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, is shining bright RED - dusk to dawn - from June 16 until June 20, in recognition of World Sickle Cell Day 2023, which falls on June 19, 2023. June 19 is Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the end of American slavery, and World Sickle Cell Day—an opportunity to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the challenges patients face while battling the chronic condition.
On Friday June 16, 2023, in partnership with Children's National Medical Center, The Sickle Cell Coalition of Maryland, Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease and the Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area, Inc., around 100 sickle cell warriors, caregivers and family members joined Red Cross staff, volunteers and blood donors at the Red Cross headquarters to shine the light on sickle cell disease—ahead of World Sickle Cell Day 2023.
In additional, to help raise awareness at the National Harbor, the Capital Wheel is shining bright RED tonight, on World Sickle Cell Day, from 9 p.m. to 10p.m., thanks to generous support from Peterson Companies.
About Sickle Cell Disease and Blood Donation
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., and regular blood transfusions are critical to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease, and each patient may require as many as 100 units of blood per year. Unfortunately, frequent transfusions can make finding compatible blood types more difficult when patients develop an immune response against blood that is not closely matched.
One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease; and to help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is working with partners in the Black community to grow the number of blood donors. Together, we launched the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to inspire support for patients. In the initiative’s first year, the number of first-time African American blood donors who gave with the Red Cross increased by 60%.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, 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. 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.
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 nonprofit 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.
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