Blood donations from Black Americans key to sickle cell disease treatment

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, highlighting efforts to support patients with the disease, which causes red blood cells to sickle, leading to pain and potential organ failure. The American Red Cross's "Sickle Cell Initiative" has significantly increased blood donations from Black Americans, crucial for patient compatibility, collecting over 7,300 pints since 2021 through drives at historically Black colleges and universities.