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CAMERON -- Blood donors are needed every day to support patients undergoing medical treatments, including those living with sickle cell disease.
During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, nonprofit blood provider Vitalant is highlighting the need for donors to help meet the needs of patients who require blood transfusions.
People living with sickle cell disease often need transfusions throughout their lifetimes to manage symptoms. Frequent transfusions can cause patients to develop antibodies and, as a result, they may need more closely matched blood than the basic blood groups of A, B, AB or O.
"Sickle cell, because it's a blood problem, can affect pretty much every organ system in the body," Dr. Kenneth Ataga, a Vitalant trustee and director at the Center for Sickle Cell Disease at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Memphis, said. "We have to match them closely with units of blood like their own red cell antigens to minimize the risk of reactions."
Those matches often come from blood donors who have a similar ethnic background. Currently, only about 3% of the eligible population donates blood.
The more people who donate, the more blood that is available to make specialized matches and help meet every patient's needs.
Donors can review eligibility requirements and make an appointment through Vitalant, the Vitalant app or by calling 877-258-4825.
Donors who are enrolled in Vitalant Donor Rewards can receive special thank-you gifts. Those who donate Sept. 1-10 using promo code LABORDAY-2026-V when scheduling will receive a $20 gift card. Donors who give throughout September can receive a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply.
Upcoming blood drives include:
-- Cameron High School gym, 2012 Blue & Gold Road, Cameron, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14.
-- Lions Club-Weirton/American Legion, 3140 Pennsylvania Ave., Weirton, noon to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 14.
-- Masonic Lodge 171, 1350 Knights Road, Weirton, 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sept. 21.
-- St. Clairsville Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 47694 Reservoir Road, St. Clairsville, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
-- Oak Glen High School Media Center, 195 Golden Bear Drive, 195 Golden Bear Drive, New Cumberland, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23.
For more information or eligibility requirements, visit vitalant.org.