Senator April N. M. Baskin and the American Red Cross Honor SickleCell Awareness Month with Education and Impact
Community Encouraged to Attend, Make an Appointment to Donate Lifesaving Blood and Platelets
BUFFALO, AUGUST 12, 2026 — Senator April N.M. Baskin in partnership with the American Red Cross of Western New York will host an informative panel discussion in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month on Friday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the American Red Cross WNY chapter located at 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209.
The event will feature guest panelists and experts in their field as they discuss sickle cell disease and how the community can support sickle cell fighters and their loved ones.
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States, and regular blood donations are critical to help manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications – as many as 100 units of blood per patient per year.
Over time, frequent transfusions can make finding compatible blood types more difficult when patients develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to the blood of the recipient. Blood donors who are Black and African American are almost 3 times more likely to be a match for patients with sickle cell disease, making blood and platelet donations vital in supporting sickle cell fighters.
Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "Every person living with sickle cell disease deserves access to the lifesaving care they need, which depends on having a reliable blood supply. Because sickle cell disease disproportionately affects the Black community, increasing awareness and encouraging more Black and African American blood donors to roll up their sleeves is essential to improving health outcomes and saving lives. I'm proud to continue partnering with the American Red Cross to educate our community, support individuals and families living with sickle cell disease, and inspire more people to donate blood and help save lives."
"For individuals living with sickle cell disease, access to the right blood at the right time can make all the difference,” said Nick Bond, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Western New York. “The American Red Cross is proud to partner with Senator Baskin and community leaders to raise awareness about this disease and the critical need for blood donors, especially within the Black and African American community. By coming together to educate, advocate and donate, we can help ensure patients receive the lifesaving care they depend on while building a stronger, more resilient blood supply for our community."
Register to Attend
Panelists include: Dr. Jennifer Abeles, DO, UBMD Physicians Group; Juanita McClain, President, Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo; Duane Burnley, Regional Donor Services Executive, Red Cross of WNY; Anthony Sheppard, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Jason Moore, Vice President, Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo.
The panel will be moderated by Glenn Jackson, Head of Engagement & Belonging for M&T Bank.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Those interested in attending are asked to register by Wednesday, August 19 by visiting https://shorturl.at/9z189.
As September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the community is encouraged to make an impact by rolling up a sleeve to donate lifesaving blood and platelets for patients in need.
Sickle Cell Initiative
In 2021, the American Red Cross launched the Sickle Cell Initiative to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve outcomes. Since that time, more than 170,000 first-time Black and African American donors have generously rolled up a sleeve. These generous donors provide a critical safety net for patients in need of compatible blood and help to prevent transfusion-related complications.
As part of its Sickle Cell Initiative, the Red Cross currently tests all donations from individuals who
self-identify as Black, African American or multiracial, for sickle cell trait, to provide an additional
health insight for donors. Health experts recommend that individuals with sickle cell trait be aware of their status and consult their medical provider on what it means for them. According to a recent donor survey, more than 35% of first-time donors who screened positive for sickle cell trait were unaware of their trait status.
To learn more, or to make an appointment to donate blood visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app.
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.
