We work together every day to do important work. But today, we want to accomplish something even more meaningful.

The American Red Cross and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., (SCDAA) have partnered to expand education and outreach efforts to increase blood donations from African American and Latino donors.

It is critical to have a diverse group of blood donors to help all patients in need. Consider that:

• Sickle cell is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S. and affects as many as 100,000 people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• The great majority of people living with sickle cell disease in the U.S. are of African descent, but Latinos make up the second largest group affected by sickle cell disease.
• A single sickle cell patient can require multiple blood transfusions per year throughout their lifetime in order to treat complications from sickle cell disease.
• Sickle cell patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or ethnic group.

There is no universal cure for sickle cell disease, but blood transfusions are proven to effectively treat the disease.

So SleevesUp and help us reach our goal. Make and keep an appointment to give blood to the American Red Cross.