Senator April N. M. Baskin and the American Red Cross Honor Sickle Cell Awareness Month
BUFFALO— Senator April N.M. Baskin in partnership with the American Red Cross of Western New York will host an informative panel discussion in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month on Friday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the American Red Cross WNY chapter located at 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209. The event will feature guest panelists and experts in their field as they discuss sickle cell disease and how the community can support sickle cell fighters and their loved ones.
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States, and regular blood donations are critical to help manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications – as many as 100 units of blood per patient per year.
Over time, frequent transfusions can make finding compatible blood types more difficult when patients develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to the blood of the recipient. Blood donors who are Black and African American are almost 3 times more likely to be a match for patients with sickle cell disease, making blood and platelet donations vital in supporting sickle cell fighters.
Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “Every person living with sickle cell disease deserves access to the lifesaving care they need, which depends on having a reliable blood supply. Because sickle cell disease disproportionately affects the Black community, increasing awareness and encouraging more Black and African American blood donors to roll up their sleeves is essential to improving health outcomes and saving lives.”
“For individuals living with sickle cell disease, access to the right blood at the right time can make all the difference,” said Nick Bond, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Western New York. “The American Red Cross is proud to partner with Senator Baskin and community leaders to raise awareness about this disease and the critical need for blood donors, especially within the Black and African American community. ”
Register to Attend
The panel will be moderated by Glenn Jackson, Head of Engagement & Belonging for M&T Bank.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Those interested in attending are asked to register by Wednesday, August 19 by visiting https://shorturl.at/9z189.
As September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the community is encouraged to make an impact by rolling up a sleeve to donate lifesaving blood and platelets for patients in need.