- What: 7 Circle of Kindness Sickle Cell Blood Drive
- When: Tuesday, September 30th, 8 AM – 6 PM
- Where: American Red Cross Miami Valley Chapter (370 West 1st Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
- How to Participate:
- Book your appointment online: RedCrossBlood.org (enter sponsor code “7Circle”)
- Use the app: Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Call: 1-800-RED CROSS
- Walk-ins: Welcome, but may experience longer wait times
DAYTON — In recognition of Sickle Cell Awareness month, 7 Circle of Kindness is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a Sickle Cell Blood Drive to support patients living with sickle cell disease. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 30th, from 8 AM to 6 PM, at the American Red Cross Miami Valley Chapter.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions worldwide. Patients often require frequent blood transfusions, sometimes reaching as many as 100 units per year, to manage health complications.
Finding the right blood match can be challenging. While blood type is critical, over 300 known antigens exist in blood, many of which are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. In fact, one in three African American blood donors is likely to be a compatible match for patients with sickle cell disease. It doesn’t typically matter the race of the donor and the recipient as long as their blood types are compatible. However, 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. That is why diverse donor participation is vital.
The American Red Cross launched its Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to help address these needs by increasing the number of black blood donors. As part of this program, all blood donations from self-identified African Americans, and now also from individuals who identify as multiracial, are tested for the sickle cell trait. Donors receive results within one to two weeks via the Red Cross Blood Donor App or online portal at RedCrossBlood.org. While the testing is not diagnostic, it can give donors valuable health insights to discuss with their doctors. This effort has already made a significant difference in connecting patients with life-saving, better-matched blood.
7 Circle of Kindness believes that by coming together, we in the Miami Valley have the power to help.
Join the 7 Circle of Kindness Sickle Cell Blood Drive on Tuesday, September 30th, from 8 AM to 6 PM. This event, made possible with the support of the 7 Circle of Kindness sponsors, Morris Home and Ashley, and Resident Home Association, will take place at the Red Cross Miami Valley location. Address: 370 West 1st Street, Dayton, OH 45402.
Pre-register today to save your blood donation spot and make your appointment more efficient. You can do this via the Red Cross Blood donor app, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting RedCrossBlood.org (use sponsor code "7Circle" typed as one word with no space), or through the link below:
Walk-ins are also welcome, but may come with a longer wait.
To thank blood donors for their generosity, anyone who shows up to give blood during the 7 Circle of Kindness Sickle Cell Blood Drive will receive a $20 Amazon.com e-gift card and an additional Amazon.com e-gift card from the American Red Cross. Both e-gift cards will be delivered via email.
Regardless of ethnic background, everyone has the power to save lives. ALL DONORS ARE WELCOME AND GREATLY APPRECIATED. Please book your appointment today.
About 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 www.redcross.org/dayton and join us on X and Facebook @ARCcsor.
About WHIO-TV 7 Circle of Kindness:
7 Circle of Kindness was born out of a sense of responsibility to our community. It is a WHIO-TV initiative serving communities with seven pillars that focus on things important to our viewers, including education, peace, environment, diversity, and more. 7 Circle of Kindness is sponsored by Morris Home, Ashley, and Resident Home Association.
For questions about this event or the WHIO-TV 7 Circle of Kindness program, please contact Niki Mayakova at ksenia.mayakova@cmg.com.,
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