The American Red Cross Blood Services takes time in February to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of African Americans in helping the Red Cross maintain a diverse blood supply.

During the month of February, Black History Month, the American Red Cross recognizes and celebrates the critical contributions African Americans make by helping the Red Cross maintain a diverse base of regular blood donors for all patients in need of a transfusion.

“When it comes to donating blood, we mean it when we say we need all types, regardless of ethnicity, in order to meet patient needs,” said Dr. David Mair, medical director of the American Red Cross Blood Services. “Thank you to everyone for donating.”

Sickle cell anemia, a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, is another reason it is important for African Americans to be dedicated blood donors. Normal red blood cells become hard, sticky and shaped like a sickle. Symptoms of sickle cell anemia can begin as early as six months of age and can manifest as anemia, severe pain, infections of the blood, lungs or bones and stroke. One child suffering from strokes brought on by sickle cell disease may need 15-25 blood transfusions each year to prevent additional strokes.

This disease predominantly affects African American communities and requires repeated blood transfusions. Patients who receive regular transfusions require genetically matched donors to help reduce the risk of complications from the blood transfusion. Frequently, the best-matched blood comes from someone with the same ethnic background. The closer the match, the better the transfusion works for the patient. The Red Cross is committed to maintaining a diverse base of blood donors to help patients with serious medical need. Make a difference and make an appointment to give blood today.