PEORIA, Ill. (Sept. 3, 2013) ? Many patients need a one-time blood transfusion, but the estimated 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease face a lifetime of them. During September, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages blood donations from donors of all types.
Most people with sickle cell disease are of African descent, but many are of Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Mediterranean and other descents. Because recipients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with the same ethnicity, a diverse supply is important.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to form an abnormal shape. Regular blood transfusions can help reduce the risks of stroke, damage to major organs and other complications. While better management of the disease has increased life expectancy in recent years, there is still no cure.
Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to learn more and make an appointment to donate blood for patients in need like those with sickle cell disease.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Clinton County
Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway St. in Charlotte, Iowa
Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ashford University, 400 N. Bluff in Clinton, Iowa
Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1364 Washington St. in Andover, Iowa
Henry County
Sept. 17 from 1:30-5 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 201 First St. in Colona, Ill.
Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kewanee High School, 1211 E. Third St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Sept. 24 from 1-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 214 NW Second Ave. in Galva, Ill.
Sept. 25 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Mercer County
Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aledo Genesis Medical Center, 409 NW Ninth Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
Rock Island County
Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moline Country Financial, 3709 16th St. in Moline, Ill.
Whiteside County
Sept. 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill. -Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.
Sept. 18 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Sept. 19 from 12-6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway in Morrison, Ill.
Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Sept. 28 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Illinois State Police District 1 HQ, 3107 E. Lincolnway in Sterling, Ill.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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