National Sickle Cell Awareness Month highlights need for blood donors in September
DALLAS-FORT WORTH – (Sept. 1, 2025) – September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Carter BloodCare donors can help the local blood supply reflect the strengths and backgrounds of the community.
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 100,000 Americans – of which approximately 7,000 are Texans – and 20 million people worldwide.
Healthy red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible enough to move easily through the blood vessels. However, sickle cell-impacted red blood cells are crescent or sickle shaped; these cells do not bend or move easily, preventing them from properly circulating and supplying oxygen to all parts of the body.
Health issues associated with sickle cell disease
Impaired blood flow leads to health complications that can include vision problems or blindness, severe and unpredictable pain, headaches, fatigue, anemia, frequent infections, lung tissue damage, kidney disease, swelling in the extremities, dizziness and strokes.
Blood transfusions are significant in relieving sickle cell symptoms. America’s Blood Centers – the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers – noted frequently transfused patients, including those with sickle cell disease, often require blood from donors of similar ethnic and racial backgrounds.
However, less than 20% of all blood donations currently come from the full scope of local communities. Increasing that percentage is one of the best ways to support patients with diseases like sickle cell.
Donors make a difference
Carter BloodCare is committed to increasing awareness of the positive effects of a blood supply that mirrors the entire community.
To find a Carter BloodCare donation location, visit CarterBloodCare.org or call 800-366-2834.
Additional resources
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
Sickle Cell Association of Texas
About Carter BloodCare
Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 200 medical facilities in 57 counties of North, Central and East Texas. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is one of the largest blood programs in Texas, delivering more than 440,000 blood products annually to meet hospitals’ requirements for their patients. Services include collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products.
