April is National Minority Health Month — a time to raise awareness about
health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations. The
American Red Cross is reminding blood donors it’s critically important to maintain a stable blood
supply this spring to support those with chronic illnesses and other blood needs in the U.S.
Blood transfusions remain one of the most critical treatments for patients like those living with
sickle cell disease – the majority of whom are of African and Latin descent – and beta
thalassemia major, which disproportionately affects those of Asian descent. Additionally, women
who are Black are more likely than women who are white to experience severe postpartum
hemorrhage, often requiring blood transfusion. To help ensure all patients have access to
the blood products they count on, donors are urged to make an appointment by
downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-
800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, those who come to give through April 18 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-
shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give April 19-May 19 will receive a $10 e-gift card
to a merchant of choice and will be automatically entered to win a new travel trailer camper that
sleeps eight, all courtesy of our partners at Suburban Propane. (Terms apply, see
rcblood.org/camper.)
Health insights for donors
As a benefit to donors, the Red Cross provides vital health insights to help aid in awareness,
prevention, early detection and monitoring for better health outcomes. All presenting blood
donors receive a free mini-health screening with insights on pulse, blood pressure and
hemoglobin. Vital signs are recorded in the donor’s online profile where they can track and
monitor their results via the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org and share
the results with their health care provider.
Additional health details
The Red Cross is testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the
donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus after vaccination or past
exposure, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.
Plasma from routine blood, platelet and plasma donations that have high levels of COVID-19
antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19
patients with weakened immune systems.
The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose infection, referred to as a diagnostic test. To
protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who
have been asked to quarantine or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation
until they are symptom free for 10 days and feeling well and healthy.
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening
all blood donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This
additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red
Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.
Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood
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donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to
help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive antibody testing results and sickle cell trait screening results, if
applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online
donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows high standards of safety and infection
control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of
vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in
attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With
RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online,
on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow
the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other
forms of identification that 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 may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors
18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies
about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international
humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is
a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public
to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or
CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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