September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, spotlighting need for matched blood donors

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a disease that can cause severe pain, organ complications, and even strokes in children.

For many patients, regular blood transfusions are a lifeline.

But finding a closely matched blood donation can be challenging, prompting Bloodworks Northwest to call for more diverse blood donors.

The organization says the need is urgent because closely matched blood can be critical for people living with sickle cell disease who rely on transfusions.

Bloodworks Northwest is encouraging people to donate and to seek out local blood drives or make an appointment to give blood.