Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc., and the American Red Cross partner on national blood drives initiative

ATLANTA,  /PRNewswire/ -- The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. and the American Red Cross announce a new five-year partnership and the launch of national blood drive and educational campaign that will enhance awareness about sickle cell disease while addressing critical blood supply needs. The initiative will also target African-American blood donors and highlight the need for a stable supply of blood donors of African descent. Through collaboration with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, colleges and universities, hospitals, and others, this partnership will help to ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood products.

The annual goal of the campaign is to mobilize 100 blood drives (with a minimum of 30 units collected per drive) targeting African-American donors across the nation. Over the five-year partnership, it is anticipated that upwards of 15,000 blood donations will be made, helping to save thousands of lives.

"Sickle Cell Disease Association of America is excited about this new partnership and the impact it can have on saving lives," said SCDAA President/CEO Beverley Francis-Gibson. "Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. Individuals living with sickle cell disease are especially in need of blood transfusions and donated blood. This partnership will provide new opportunities to not only inform and educate the public about sickle cell conditions, but also to activate and engage the African-American community about the immense importance of donating blood."

"African-American people who require blood transfusions from being injured or ill – including those with sickle cell disease - all depend on a stable blood supply and ideally, blood that closely matches their own," explained Deb McGhee McCrary, SCFG President & CEO. "This is why it is important for African-Americans to donate and receive blood from other African-Americans."

"The Red Cross is proud to partner with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia," said Vincent Edwards, National Director, Red Cross Biomedical Services. "A diverse blood supply is critical to being able to help all patients in need. Blood from people of a similar race and ethnicity as the patient can provide the best health outcomes and least transfusion complications."

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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About SCDAA
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America's mission is: To advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure. Visit sicklecelldisease.org for more information.

About SCFG
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia is one of the oldest sickle cell-focused institutions in the nation. Our mission is to reduce the incidence of sickle cell disease, to monitor the prevalence of sickle cell and to help improve the quality of life for persons afflicted with the disease. To achieve our directives, the Foundation sponsors educational programs, conducts sickle cell trait testing, counsels families, supports healthcare providers and coordinates activities that benefit patients throughout the year. Visit sicklecellga.org for more information.

American Red Cross Contact: 
Jessa Merrill 
Telephone: (202) 303-5987

SCFG Contact:
Leslie Fontenot
Telephone: (404) 755-1641(o)
(404) 754-7090( c)

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SOURCE Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia