DALLAS, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 — The American Red Cross along with The Potter’s House and United MegaCare Inc. are hosting a blood drive on Saturday, October 15 to raise awareness for sickle cell disease as part of the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative and Joined by Blood campaign. The drive is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Potter’s House campus in Dallas, located at 6777 W Kiest Blvd.
In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people – the majority of whom are of African descent – have sickle cell disease and may require blood transfusions throughout their lifetime to help manage their disease. Blood donations from individuals of the same race or similar ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis by reducing the risk of transfusion complications.
To ensure a diverse blood supply, The Potter’s House and United MegaCare, Inc. have committed to hosting blood drives at its campuses in support of the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative and Joined by Blood campaign, which aim to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve health outcomes.
“United MegaCare has been an advocate for the Joined by Blood campaign and continues to promote awareness throughout our church and community about how great the need is to donate blood,” said Tiffany Brinkley, Community Impact Director, United MegaCare. “I didn’t realize the difference that just a few units of blood could make for a person suffering from sickle cell anemia. The true essence of the Joined by Blood campaign not only connects us through blood, but it connects us through the spirit.”
Partnerships with community organizations like The Potter’s House and United MegaCare, Inc. help to ensure blood donation opportunities are reflective of the diverse communities the Red Cross serves and are convenient locations that help bring donation opportunities closer to home.
“One treatment a patient should not have to worry about is the availability of a closely matched blood product to ease their pain,” said Megan Duglar, Interim CEO, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “Generous blood donors and partners like The Potter’s House and United MegaCare, Inc. are critical to ensuring patients have the blood they need, and we appreciate their commitment to joining us in making a lifesaving difference.”
In addition to hosting blood drives, The Potter’s House and United MegaCare, Inc. also partners with the Red Cross to help install free smoke alarms in as part of Sound the Alarm events and engages in preparedness education and training to ensure safe and healthy communities.
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 nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/northtexas or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCrossNTX.