The American Red Cross is seeking donations at its Rockville donor center as part of a new campaign to increase its pool of Black and African American blood donors and help people with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the United States, where it affects approximately 100,000 people of all ethnicities, most of whom are of African or Latino descent. Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped, instead of soft and round. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen throughout the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia, and even strokes. Transfusions can provide a lifesaving treatment for patients during a sickle cell crisis by increasing the number of normal red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblock blood vessels. A single patient can receive up to 100 pints of blood each year.
Black and African American donors are more likely than other demographics to have blood-specific properties best suited to alleviate the painful symptoms of sickle cell disease. Well-matched blood can decrease the risk of complications related to transfusion therapy, especially in patients who receive lifelong transfusions.
Increasing the donor pool increases the Red Cross’s ability to serve more patients with sickle cell disease. It is also critical to increase the number of available blood donors from all racial and ethnic groups. The Red Cross has COVID-19 safety measures in place to ensure a safe donation process. If you would like to donate, the American Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donor Center is in the Saratoga Building, 11820 Parklawn Drive, Suite 510.
For hours and more information, or to schedule an appointment to donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/location/rockville-american-
red-cross.html or call Rockville blood donor center at 301-945-9044 or 1-800-RED-CROSS.
American Red Cross Seeks African American Blood Donors in Rockville
Most Recent Articles
Finding Out About Historic Preservation is as Easy as ABC
May is Preservation Month, and in recognition, the Historic District Commission will host “ABCs of Historic Preservation” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30. The hybrid event will provide members of the community with an overview of historic preservation in Rockville.
State Legislative Wins: Support for Climate Action, Vision Zero and Nixing Noisy Vehicles
State aid for improvements to David Scull Park and legislation supporting the city’s affordable housing, climate action and Vision Zero efforts were among wins for Rockville during the Maryland General Assembly session that concluded April 8. The city’s Climate Action
Memorial Day in Rockville
Rockville City Hall and some city facilities will be closed Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day. Parking will be free at city-owned meters on May 27. Recycling, trash and yard waste collection will be made one day later than usual
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get the best of Rockville Reports delivered right to your email and stay up to date on what’s happening in our city.
Contact Us
Have a story idea? Email or call the City of Rockville’s Public Information Office.
Rockville Reports is the official publication of the City of Rockville, published at City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850-2364.