Suburban Propane joined forces with its longtime partner, the American Red Cross, to raise awareness and encourage blood donors to support patients battling sickle cell disease at a blood drive at the American Red Cross Northern New Jersey Location in Fairfield.
Eric LeGrand, hometown hero, disability advocate, and entrepreneur, was in attendance to support the cause alongside representatives from Suburban Propane’s Whippany, NJ headquarters.
This drive was part of the Red Cross’ ongoing efforts to support individuals battling sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for sickle cell disease—the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S., primarily affecting Black individuals. Some individuals with sickle cell disease depend on frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime—as many as 100 units of blood per patient each year.
One in three African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the Red Cross is encouraging people to help spread the importance of giving blood and encouraging folks to roll their sleeves up and give blood.