September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. “About 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease. Most are of African descent,” said American Red Cross. In addition, sickle cell disease “affects more than 2,850 residents in the state of Alabama.”

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The American Red Cross is partnering with the Eta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to host a Sickle Cell Awareness Blood Drive Wednesday, September 7 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the McDonald Hughes Center, 3101 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Tuscaloosa.

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According to the Press Release “as a thank you, all presenting donors will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email 30 days after their donation, (Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the gift cards).”

“As members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., our mission is to be of service to all Mankind,” said Dr. Shante Morton, Vice President of the Eta Xi Omega Chapter. “Increasing the number of blood donors who are Black to support the transfusion needs of patients with sickle cell disease is a pressing issue impacting families in our community. We’re proud to lead on the front lines of change, education, and advocacy in support of our sickle cell warriors by partnering with the American Red Cross and rallying the West Alabama community to join us in donating blood.”

How to Make an Appointment

Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate at the Eta Xi Omega Chapter Sickle Cell Awareness Blood Drive by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, and entering sponsor code: EXOAKA, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

How to Donate Blood

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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law).

Weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health and 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.

(Source) Press Release sent to Townsquare Media. Click here for more from the American Red Cross. Click here to make an appointment to donate blood.

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