Blood donations sought to combat sickle cell disease.

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Author: Moorer, Talise D.1

Harlem Hospital Center (HHC) in tandem with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) kicked off September (National Sickle Cell Awareness Month) by announcing NYBC's Precise Match Program to boost blood donations among African Americans in this region.

Organizers made their announcement during a press conference in the lobby of the health institution that houses one of America's oldest comprehensive sickle cell centers. HHC is recognized for providing diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis, counseling and genetic counseling concerning sickle cell.

HHC will be hosting a blood drive on September 22, 2005.

HHC's Executive Director Dr. John Palmer and Dr. Robert Jones, president and CEO of the New York Blood Center (NYBC), were joined by healthcare, civic leaders, and a number of patients, including a relieved Sadie Toodles, whose 15-year-old grandson suffers from sickle cell. She offered testimonial about how blood transfusions helped her loved one regain his strength and mobility, and reignited "the light in his eyes."

"To treat the complications that arise from this disease patients must receive transfusions," said Palmer before announcing guests. "The blood that they need is most likely to come from other African Americans and this morning we've come together to raise awareness of this important issue, and to encourage regular donations of blood."

On behalf of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott expressed support of the blood drive.

"Sickle cell disease is not one of the most common diseases out there, but it takes an especially heavy toll on Harlem and other African American communities," said Walcott. "Nearly 3,400 New Yorkers are living with sickle cell and an astounding 98% of SCD patients are of African descent. Blood donations in the African American community are urgently needed because the prognosis of people living with the disease is much better when they can receive transfusions because of exact matches with donations from the same blood chemistry."

According to NYBC, approximately 1 in 500 African Americans are born with sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD affects hemoglobin (red blood cell components in the blood that carry oxygen throughout the body), causing it to stiffen and twist into jagged or "sickle" shapes. The hemoglobin then blocks blood vessels, preventing the normal flow of blood throughout the body.

Antigen-matched blood (coming from a donor of the same racial or ethnic background) would meet the needs of sickle patients, who often require multiple life-saving transfusions. If patients do not receive this blood, serious complications can arise: stroke, lung tissue and organ damage, anemia, bacterial infection, or severe pain in arms, legs, chest or the abdomen.

"At Harlem Hospital Center and all other HHC facilities, we provide comprehensive care to treat sickle cell disease," said Dr. Van Dunn, chief medical officer of New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation. "It is our mission and our goal to keep New Yorkers healthy," he added. "We are committed to eliminating healthcare disparities and providing the highest quality of care to the patients who come through our doors."

Dunn stated that sickle cell disease is a lifelong, chronic disease with no known cure that can attack any part of the body. He also emphasized the need for well-qualified providers who sickle cell disease patients can trust to manage this disease and who are sensitive to the often painful complications associated with it.

Dunn said patients need culturally competent educational programs that address the psycho-social factors that affect their outcomes.

As the New York metro area's main supplier for blood and blood products, New York Blood Center has a natural role to play in calling attention to this disease. To make an appointment to give the gift of life, or for further information, call (800) 933-BLOOD, or (800) 688-0900.

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By Talise D. Moorer, Amsterdam News Staff