AMERICAN RED CROSS IN NEED OF BLACK BLOOD DONORS TO HELP PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE

TULSA, Okla. –

The Red Cross said sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, mostly affecting patients of African descent.

The disease is a group of conditions in which red blood cells are not shaped normally.

Sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells that help carry oxygen to the body.

Matt Trotter with the Red Cross, said about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. He said it impacts 100,000 people here in the United States.

Trotter said many African Americans have distinct markers on their red blood cells, making them ideal for helping patients with this disease.

“They need about 100 blood transfusions a year for treatment. When they don’t get the best matched blood products and when we talk about that we’re talking about unique protein structures that keep them from having an immune response that can cause pain and suffering. When they don’t get those blood products, it just makes their condition worse,” Trotter explained.

The Red Cross plans to have a blood drive at all Langston University campuses in the state.

You can visit the Red Cross website to book an appointment. CLICK HERE for information.