Medical City McKinney is hosting a blood drive on June 2nd to help offset the annual summer blood shortages while also providing benefit to patients with sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross has launched a national initiative to reach more blood donors to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve health outcomes. In the U.S., more than 100,000 people have sickle cell disease and may require regular blood transfusions throughout their lifetime to help manage pain and long-term health. Blood donations from individuals of the same race or similar ethnicity and blood type are the most effective way to help patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis, the majority of whom are of African or African American descent.

All donors over the age of 16 are welcome and encouraged to donate blood, especially blood donors of African or African American descent who are needed to help provide the most compatible blood match for patients with sickle cell disease. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility for specific donor eligibility requirements.