Sickle Cell Awareness Month: Black Officials Say To Donate Blood

OAK FOREST, IL — On Friday, Sept. 11, Cook County Commissioner, Donna Miller (D-6th) and members of the Joint Black Elected Officials are hosting a press conference with a blood drive event at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL, for Sickle Cell Awareness Month, according to a news release.

The CDC says that sickle cell disorder is a condition where red blood cells are hard and sticky, looking like a C-shaped tool typically found at a farm, called a sickle. These cells die early and result in the individual having a red blood cell shortage. The cells can also clog the blood flow and cause pain, infection, acute chest syndrome and a stroke.

According to the American Society of Hematology, sickle cell disease is more common among ethnic groups such as African Americans, Hispanic-Americans from Central and South America, Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean descent. ASH also says that 8-10 percent of sickle cell carriers are African American. Symptoms of sickle cell can begin by four months of age.

According to the release, Miller is passionate about promoting sickle cell disease awareness because it affects members of her family. The commissioner also is a sickle cell trait carrier.

"Due to this pandemic there is a critical shortage of blood," Miller said, according to the release. "It is my hope that as people reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, they will be reminded of the need to help one another. One of the simplest ways to help and potentially save another life is to donate blood."

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and social distancing along with masks will be required at the event.