DETROIT (June 10, 2025) – As World Blood Donor Day (June 14) and World Sickle Cell Day (June 19) approaches, the American Red Cross recognizes these important dates to raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of blood donations and the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply.

Giving blood or platelets now and this summer can help ensure all patients, including those facing chronic conditions like sickle cell disease, never have to wait for vital care.

“It’s so easy to do,” said Carol Bowser of Adrian who made her 52nd blood donation to the Red Cross in April. “It’s a good feeling and I want to contribute to the community. I like being a volunteer blood donor.”

All blood types are needed. The increased risk of severe weather this summer could impact the momentum of a growing blood supply and disrupt blood drives for several days.

Maintaining a diverse blood supply is one way to help ensure people living with sickle cell disease have ongoing access to compatible blood to help avoid serious complications. Blood transfusion is essential in managing the severe pain and long-term health of people with sickle cell. One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.

In 2021 the Red Cross launched a Sickle Cell initiative to increase the number of blood donors who are Black and improve health outcomes. To date, more than 139,000 African American blood donors have given blood for the first time as part of the initiative.

Additionally, the Red Cross has provided more than 290,000 sickle cell trait screenings to donors who self-identified as African American, Black or multiracial, ensuring communities that are disproportionately impacted by sickle cell have access to important health insights regarding their trait status.

Mary Lou Swift, of Saginaw, who was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at birth, credits blood transfusions with keeping her alive as a child and young adult. For the past 30 years, she has received regular apheresis treatments to manage her quality of life.

”The blood transfusions kept me alive in the early years,” said Swift, who will celebrate her 68th birthday this month. “Apheresis is keeping me alive now. Not only alive but alive and feeling well.”

Book an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give in June will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Plus, all donors will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. 

Sickle cell drives are scheduled from June 12 to June 29 in Benton Harbor, Detroit and Lansing.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / [email protected] / 313-303-0606

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.