Red Cross asks commission to help recruit African American donors for sickle cell patients

Kyle Bryce, the Red Cross's sickle cell champion, and Lisa Fazio, an account manager, asked the commission to help host and promote blood drives targeting communities with high prevalence of sickle cell trait. They explained why antigen‑matched units (C, E and K negative) are critical for chronically transfused patients and said Washington collected 742 African American donor units last year with 281 CEK‑negative matches; the Red Cross set a goal to increase the African American donor base by December 2027.

Commissioners raised concerns about culturally competent outreach and asked whether donors who learn they carry the sickle cell trait receive follow‑up resources. Red Cross staff said trait testing results are mailed to donors with referrals to primary care for follow up, and that staff try to partner with trusted local institutions (churches and community organizations) and bring regional Red Cross leaders into conversations to build trust. "One in three African Americans have that CEK negative antigen match... the more frequently someone receives blood transfusions, the more important that match becomes," the presenter said.