During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a stable and diverse blood supply for patients in need

Blood donors may be helping patients like 11-year-old Martin Mwita, who has sickle cell disease. His body doesn’t produce enough healthy red cells to carry adequate oxygen through his body, so he relies on monthly transfusions to stabilize his health.

A diverse blood supply is important to ensure the needs of all patients are met. Red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and some blood types are unique to certain racial and ethnic groups. Because blood from donors of the same ethnic background as the recipient is less likely to cause complications, the Red Cross must maintain a diverse blood supply to meet these diverse patient needs.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to help reduce wait times.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Austin

•10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sept. 22: Primrose Retirement Communities, 1701 22nd Ave. SW

•9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sept. 23: Mower County Senior Citizens Center, 400 3rd Ave. NE

•1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Sept. 29:St John’s Lutheran, 1200 NW 13th Ave.

•9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sept. 30: YMCA, 704 1st Drive NW

Blooming Prairie

1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sept. 21: City Center, 138 Hwy S.