Donate Blood in Honor of Nat'l Sickle Cell Awareness Month

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a stable and diverse blood supply by giving blood in honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease that causes red blood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape. It is estimated that sickle cell disease affects as many as 100,000 people in the U.S. Many of these patients face a lifetime of blood transfusions to help reduce the risk of stroke, damage to major organs and other complications that can arise as a result of sickle cell disease.

Since blood from donors of the same ethnic background as the recipient is less likely to cause complications, the Red Cross must maintain a diverse blood supply. This is particularly important for patients like those with sickle cell disease who may require regular blood transfusions.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities for Fairfield County:

Bethel

9/5/2014: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd

Bridgeport

9/2/2014: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM: People's United Bank, 850 Main Street

Danbury

9/4/2014: 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Danbury Hospital RSM, Hospital Avenue

9/5/2014: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM: Stanley Engineered Fastening, 4 Shelter Rock Lane

Fairfield

9/15/2014: 1:45 PM - 7:00 PM: YMCA, 841 Old Post Road

Greenwich

9/8/2014: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue

9/11/2014: 8:00 AM - 1:45 PM: CBRE[formerly CB Richard Ellis], 2 Greenwich Office park

9/12/2014: 12:30 PM - 6:15 PM: St. Mary's Church, 178 Greenwich Avenue

Monroe

9/6/2014: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Monroe Senior Center, 235 Cutlers Farm Road

Newtown

9/15/2014: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.

9/15/2014: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.

Ridgefield

9/9/2014: 1:15 PM - 6:15 PM: Ridgefield Park & Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Rd.

Riverside

9/3/2014: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Walgreens, 1333 E Putnam Avenue

Sandy Hook

9/4/2014: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Masonicare at Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Road

Shelton

9/15/2014: 8:00 AM - 1:45 PM: R.D. Scinto Towers, 2 Corporate Drive

Stamford

9/4/2014: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Belltown Fire Department, 8 Dorlen Rd

9/5/2014: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard

9/6/2014: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Stamford Church of Christ, 1264 High Ridge Road

9/13/2014: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court

Stratford

9/5/2014: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Knights of Columbus, 2252 Main Street

Trumbull

9/7/2014: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM: Trumbull Fire House, 860 Whiteplains Rd

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. 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, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health 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.

About the 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 

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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