DeKalb Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson Encourages Residents to Help Save Lives on Sept. 29

Be a sickle cell fighter by donating blood

DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is encouraging residents to donate blood to the American Red Cross to help save lives on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First St. Peter AME Church, 1074 South Indian Creek Drive.

About 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the country.

“Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “A diverse blood supply is needed to help the diverse patients who depend on it.”

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be sticky, hard and crescent-shaped instead of soft and round. This makes it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, acute anemia and strokes.

Blood transfusion helps sickle cell disease patients by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen and unblock blood vessels. Red blood cells carry markers on their surface called antigens that determine blood type. Some are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups, and because of this, sickle cell disease patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor who is Black.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). When you visit RedCrossBlood.org, enter the sponsor code 1STPAME under “Find a Blood Drive.” All presenting donors will receive a $20 Amazon e-gift card via email.

Completion of a RapidPass^® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. Follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 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 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.