StemCell Therapy

RICHMOND, Ind. The next Red Cross blood drive is focusing on the fight against sickle cell disease.

The local blood drive will participate in the national effort, according to Dana Mollenkopf, who has been with the local Red Cross nine years. The drive will be noon-5 p.m. Dec. 21 in the lower-level multipurpose room at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 E. Main St.

COVID-19 protocols will be followed during the blood drive, and blood samples will be tested for COVID antibodies, according to Mollenkopf. Blood samples from Black donors also will be tested for sickle cell traits, with results available to donors in one to two weeks.

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About 10% of Black people carry the sickle cell trait, according to the American Society of Hematology. Although sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black people, only 3% of blood donors nationwide are Black, Mollenkopf said, andBlack donors are encouraged to register for the Dec. 21 drive to help fulfill the need for blood.

Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org with the CUMCRICH code.

As an organization dedicated to alleviating suffering, the Red Cross is committed to the health and well-being of all communities, and a diverse blood supply is critical to improving health outcomes for all patients especially those with sickle cell disease," said Gail McGovern, CEO and president of the Red Cross, in a news release. For someone facing a sickle cell crisis, a blood transfusion can make a lifesaving difference.

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Sickle cell is the most common genetic blood disease in the United States, according to the Red Cross. Patients often rely on regular blood transfusions to avoid complications such as organ and tissue damage, severe pain and strokes. The disease is only cured by stem cell or bone marrow transplants or emerging gene therapy, but such treatments are not widely available.

The blood used in those transfusions must be the most compatible match possible, which usually comes from someone of the same race or from a similar ethnicity. Donated blood will also be utilized for other emergency uses.

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Red Cross blood drive focuses on sickle cell disease fight - Palladium-Item

This entry was posted on November 7, 2021 at 1:53 am and is filed under Stem Cell Complications. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |