Fantasia, R&B superstar and new honorary inductee of the Divine 9’s Sigma Gamma Rho, has teamed up with the American Red Cross to help encourage more individuals to help save lives through blood donation.
On Friday, Fantasia shared with her 5 million IG followers the unique ability that many Black individuals have to help patients battling sickle cell disease. One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease.
Although Fantasia is afraid of needles, she conquered her fear, rolled up her sleeve and donated blood at her local Red Cross blood donor center, outfitted in her sorority’s signature colors. She documented her journey for all to see on IG here.
Please let us know if you are interested in sharing this fun, engaging story of Fantasia’s experience with your readers and/or followers.
More on the Importance of Black Blood Donation
Blood donations from individuals who are Black play a vital role in meeting the broader transfusion needs of patients and those with sickle cell disease.
- In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people — the majority of whom are of African descent — have sickle cell disease and may require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives to help manage their disease.
- One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease.
- Fifty-one percent of individuals who are Black have type O (positive or negative) blood.
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- Type O blood is most often in critical supply as it is most often needed by hospitals.
- Type O negative is the universal blood type which can be transfused to patients of any other blood type and is routinely in short supply.
Please visit RedCrossBlood.org to find the nearest donation center to give blood!