Targeted Blood Donation Advocacy for Sickle Cell Patients
Team Amber: Life is in the Blood is dedicated to raising awareness, increasing education, and driving action to support individuals living with sickle cell anemia. Our mission is rooted in ensuring that no patient has to wait for the blood they need. Call
(720) 353-1373 to learn how you can help save lives today. Through advocacy, community outreach, and donor engagement, we connect people with a purpose—because every blood donation can make a life-saving difference.
OUR INSPIRATION
AMBER FAITH DAWSON
March 24, 1986-January 14, 2024
Amber died in a Houston, TX, hospital while waiting on a blood transfusion.
OUR VISION
Is a world where blood donations exceed the needs of every sickle cell anemia patient. Through awareness and action, we aim to eliminate blood shortages and ensure access to life-saving transfusions.
OUR MISSION
Is to promote targeted blood donations for sickle cell patients, educate the public about sickle cell disease and trait, and encourage donors to self-identify to improve blood matching. We are committed to building a reliable donor network that meets the ongoing needs of patients.
How Blood Donation Helps Sickle Cell Patients in Need
We’re All in This Together
We’re all in this together. While sickle cell disease is most common in Black, African American, and Latin American communities, it can affect anyone who carries the trait. Increasing awareness across all communities is essential to improving patient outcomes.
Importance of Blood Transfusions for Sickle Cell Treatment
The American Red Cross receives thousands of requests each week for blood needed by sickle cell patients. Blood transfusions are critical for reducing pain, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. Without enough donors, patients may face serious health risks.
Become a Regular Blood Donor for Sickle Cell Patients
When you self-identify as someone whose heritage may carry the sickle cell trait, the American Red Cross can better match your blood with patients in need. Becoming a regular donor ensures a consistent blood supply and directly supports life-saving care.
Sickle Cell Advocacy and Public Awareness Efforts
Lend Your Voice to the Cause of Sickle Cell Anemia Patients Everywhere
Much remains unknown about the prevalence and impact of sickle cell anemia in the United States. This may be due to:
Inadequate data collection and reporting by healthcare systems.
Confusion about blood needs due to emerging treatments.
Limited research on sickle cell trait and its broader impact.
Raising your voice helps bring awareness to these gaps and supports meaningful change for patients everywhere.
Sickle Cell Disease and Trait Education and Statistics
Sickle cell anemia is a disease of the red blood cells where cells become rigid and sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow. This can cause severe pain, organ damage, and even death. Blood transfusions and pain management are common treatments.
Sickle cell trait is the gene that carries the disease. It is typically not harmful but can be passed to children. If both parents carry the trait, there is a 1 in 4 chance their child will have the disease.
Over 3 million Black African Americans carry the trait.
More than 6 million Latin Americans carry the trait.
The risk among Latin American populations may be higher than previously believed.
Despite these numbers, the exact number of people living with sickle cell disease in the United States remains unknown.
Why Knowing Your Sickle Cell Trait Status Matters
Don’t know if you have the trait? Get tested—even if you don’t think it applies to your background.
Have the disease? Share your story to raise awareness.
Most importantly, donate blood. When you give and self-identify, your blood can directly help save lives.
Access educational brochures and materials to better understand sickle cell disease, blood donation importance, and how you can make a difference in your community.
Sickle Cell Warriors Need Your Help!
BECOME A MEMBER OF TEAM AMBER AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
Download Free printable Sickle Cell Awareness Brochures and Resources
Take Action With Sickle Cell Blood Donation Today!
Ready to help save lives? Call (720) 353-1373 to get involved, become a blood donor, or learn how you can support sickle cell patients. Donate, spread awareness, and take the first step toward making a real difference today.