world sickle cell day blood drive & community resource fair

June 19th is World Sickle Cell Day along with Juneteenth. Sickle Cell affects 100,000 Americans. This Rare genetic blood disorder primarily affects those of African descent. Dreamsickle Kids and JET Foundation will again host a blood drive at East Las Vegas library. There will be food, fun , and community resources. Individuals who identify as African American when donating blood, will additionally be screened for the Sickle Cell Trait (SCT). Blood donors who are Black play a critical role in helping people with sickle cell disease, the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S. Patients with the disease may rely on regular blood transfusions throughout their lives to help prevent sickle cell complications, such as organ and tissue damage, severe pain, and strokes. It is essential that the blood they receive be the most compatible match possible, which generally comes from someone of the same race or similar ethnicity. Today, there aren’t enough blood donors to help meet this urgent need. African American individuals make up 13% of the U.S. population, but less than 3% of blood donors. By donating blood, you may make a difference in the lives of patients with sickle cell disease as well as moms with complicated childbirths, people fighting cancer, accident or trauma victims being raced to emergency rooms, and more. Your single blood donation may even help save more than one life!