More Blood Donors Needed to Be a Match for Sickle Cell Patients

Vitalant donors to get free check of their diabetes risk in September

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and nonprofit blood provider Vitalant wants to remind everyone how vital donating blood is to meet the special needs of patients, including those with sickle cell disease.

Many people, including those living with sickle cell disease, need frequent blood transfusions. For the best outcome, they often need more closely matched blood than the basic blood types. Those matches often come from blood donors who have a similar ethnic background. The more people who donate blood, the more blood there is available to match what every patient needs.

Angel Siner lives with sickle cell disease and receives frequent blood transfusions to relieve pain in her joints, that she describes as excruciating.

"You don't know how much it means to have your blood on the shelf whenever we need it," Siner said. "It's such a blessing to have so many people come out and donate."

Giving blood takes just an hour of one's time. While helping save lives in September, all Vitalant donors will get a free hemoglobin A1C test*, a key indicator of diabetes risk. Plus, donors who are opted in to Vitalant Donor Rewards who donate Sept. 8-30 will automatically be entered to win one of two $10,000 gift cards**.

Review eligibility requirements and make an appointment to give by visiting vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

*Learn more at vitalant.org/a1ctesting.
**Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/septgiveaway.

About Vitalant
Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent)) is one of the nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission. Learn more at vitalant.org.

Contact: 480-675-5413

SOURCE Vitalant