Red Cross donors needed in Clayton

The American Red Cross is urging people of all races and ethnicities to participate in the upcoming blood drive in Clayton to help ensure a diverse blood supply for patients in need.

According to Ronnika A. McFall Spokesperson for American Red Cross, “the vast majority of blood types fall into one of the major ABO groups. However, some blood types are unique to certain racial and ethnic groups, so a diverse blood supply is important to meeting the medical needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.”

Twelve-year-old Braden Green required blood transfusions to treat complications from sickle cell disease. “It saved his life, that blood transfusion,” said his mom, Brenda Green. “A blood donation can give a patient another chance at life or an opportunity to get through the day.”

Blood given to patients with rare blood types or those who need repeated transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia must be matched very closely. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar racial or ethnic background.

The next blood drive to occur locally will be held on September 20 from 1 – 6 p.m. at the Clayton Baptist Church in the Ministry Activity Center, located at 87 S. Church Street.

As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets through Sept. 30, 2018, will receive a coupon via email for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations.