Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, District Fire Chief Tyrone Denson, State Rep. Bud Williams along with Retired Amherst Fire Chief Tim Nelson joined with American Red Cross Central-Western Mass Chapter Executive Director Nia Rennix and team for a special “Badges Unite for Sickle Cell Rally” event on Monday. The event was held at the Springfield Blood Center on Brookdale Drive.
Also in attendance were medical specialists who work with Sickle Cell patients, Jason Steele, Dr. Philippa Sprinz, and Dr. Victoria Odesina.
Mayor Sarno states, “I am always proud to give blood to help others feel better and save lives. I know first-hand how important this is, for my late mom Clara Sarno needed a number of blood transfusions – please give and thank you!”
It is important to come together to spread awareness and share resources about Sickle Cell. September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the Red Cross continues their efforts to support Sickle Cell warriors.
More than 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease affects 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births. People with sickle cell disease may need as many as 100 units of blood each year. Your blood donations could help alleviate the symptoms of someone living with sickle cell disease, or even help save their life. Having a strong and diverse blood supply is important to improving the health of these populations and helping to save lives.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/diversity/sicklecell.html
