Blood Drive in PG

For generations, the sickle cell community has faced immense challenges, often hidden in the shadows, with limited access to care, resources, and recognition. Despite this, sickle cell warriors and their families have shown extraordinary resilience. Today, we stand at a moment of hope, unity, and empowerment. It is with great honor that I invite you to attend the 2024 Sickle Cell Disease Blood Drive & Warrior Resource Fair, hosted by the Sickle Cell Coalition of Maryland in partnership with Petronille Healthy Society, PGC Health, the American Red Cross, and UM Capital Region Medical Center.

Living with sickle cell disease often means enduring frequent hospitalizations, severe pain episodes, and a lifelong dependence on blood transfusions. A single sickle cell warrior may require up to 100 units of blood each year. Over a lifetime (averaging 53 years), a warrior depends on the generosity of approximately 1,800 blood donors. Unfortunately, blood drives and healthcare initiatives have historically overlooked the unique needs of this community. The 2024 Sickle Cell Disease Blood Drive & Warrior Resource Fair seeks to change this narrative by directly addressing the challenges faced by the 1,500+ sickle cell warriors in Prince George's County, which has the largest sickle cell population in Maryland.

Join us for an inspiring event filled with networking, learning, and collaboration.

Why This Event Matters:

Thanks to the Pathways to Health Equity Program, Prince George's County now hosts its first sickle cell program, offering essential resources like transportation and food vouchers to support warriors and caregivers. Given the county's substantial sickle cell population, the demand for blood products is constant and critical to sustaining lives—lives like mine. The 2024 Sickle Cell Disease Blood Drive & Warrior Resource Fair is designed to deliver impactful experiences and resources for participants and the broader community.