LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is in critical need of specially matched blood donors to help a patient suffering from sickle cell disease with acute sickle cell crisis.
According to a press release from the organization, the patient needs ongoing blood transfusions from specially matched donors, which are very rare. African American blood donors are more likely to be a match for the patient.
“We have a sickle cell patient in crisis with a very rare red blood cell profile. A national search for blood has been so far unsuccessful,” said Dr. Chris Lough, LifeSouth’s Vice President of Medical Services. “Our best chance of finding compatible products is from African American donors. We are testing 100% of African American donors for compatibility for help fill this critical patient need.”
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the body's red blood cells, causing blood cells to be sickle-shaped. The sickle-shaped blood cells have difficulty passing through blood vessels which can lead to fatigue, breathlessness, unbearable pain, swelling of joints, hands and feet and severe complications including stroke.
LifeSouth has asked the community to donate blood to help find a match for the patient in need.
LifeSouth's bloodmobiles will be out at many locations in the coming days. For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth at (888) 795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online.
The organization has several locations in northeast Georgia, including the following:
- Gainesville: 1200 McEver Road, Gainesville, GA, 30504
- Cumming: 1550 Market Place Blvd, Cumming, GA, 30041
- Lawrenceville: 1030 Old Peachtree Rd NW, Unit 202, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
