Langston University

OKLAHOMA CITY — In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness month in September, Langston University and American Red Cross announce Sickle Cell Awareness blood drives September 8 at the Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses. The blood drives are sponsored by ONEOK.

About 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the country

“I am really so proud to be a small part of Langston, the Red Cross and ONEOK working together to create an unparalleled opportunity for our communities,” said Mike Clark, Vice President Controller – Natural Gas Liquids for ONEOK. “It not only increases the awareness of sickle cell disease but, even more importantly, creates an opportunity to help those suffering from sickle cell by hosting drives and providing a donor base that may be able to help.”

Blood transfusion helps sickle cell disease patients by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen and unblock blood vessels. Red blood cells carry markers on their surface called antigens that determine blood type. Some are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups, and because of this, sickle cell disease patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor who is Black.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood Wednesday, September 8 to help save lives. All those coming to give at any of the September 8 Langston University blood drives will receive a commemorative T-shirt courtesy of ONEOK, while supplies last.

• Langston University: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Multipurpose Building Gym,701 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Langston. Make an appointment: https://rdcrss.org/3jguhKN
• Langston University Tulsa: 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., Classroom 207 & 208, 914 N Greenwood Ave., Tulsa. Make an appointment: https://rdcrss.org/3mCjOvl
• Langston University Oklahoma City: 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.. Atrium, 6700 Martin Luther King Ave., Oklahoma City. Make an appointment: https://rdcrss.org/3jjeNWh

Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives, and a diverse blood supply is needed to help the diverse patients who depend on it.

“We are thankful for community partners such as Langston and ONEOK who are partnering with us to raise awareness around sickle cell during Sickle Cell Awareness month,” said Alice Townsend, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region. “The need for blood is constant and we appreciate partners who understand the importance of ongoing donations and help us fill the gap by hosting blood drives in our local communities.”

Langston University and ONEOK have partnered to offer a chance for donors to win one of three $500 scholarships to a lucky donor from each campus. There will also be drawings for autographed footballs from former University of Oklahoma and Detroit Lions Football player Billy Simms.

Supporters of Families with Sickle Cell Disease, Inc. will be on hand distributing information on Sickle Cell Disease awareness and education.

About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.