HOUSTON (Press Release) — On average, a sickle cell patient receives a blood transfusion once or twice a month to manage their condition and prevent complications. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local blood banks such as Gulf Coast Regional were forced to cancel blood drives, which resulted in a nationwide shortage of blood. There is a major need for blood donors who are of African descent to increase the compatibility rate of blood for sickle cell patients’ transfusions.
That is why the As One Foundation, One Delta Plaza Educational Center, and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank will host a blood drive Thursday, July 29. The drive will take place from 1-6 p.m. at 3333 Old Spanish Trail and will include food, games, giveaways and family fun!
“When we were made aware of the blood shortage that was affecting the blood banks, we wanted to do everything that we could do to help,” said One Delta Plaza Board Chair Dr. Bernadine Duncan. “Although it is Sickle Cell Caregiver Appreciation Day, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank serves the entire southeast Houston community. Anything that we can do to help them is a major honor. To be able to also raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the As One Foundation is an added bonus.”
Through their partnership with PicnicHealth the organizations will also be offering $200 to sickle cell patients who sign up for the new Picnic Health sickle cell app. The app helps to keep track of flare-ups and organize medical records for sickle cell patients.
Please register to attend the event at: https://www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/337169