CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
In recognition of Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day, we hosted a public information session and staff training on the use of blood transfusions for patients who have sickle cell disease. World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day is observed annually on June 19 to increase global knowledge of the genetic blood disorder and its impact on patients and caregivers. In the United States, it is strongly tied to the Juneteenth federal holiday, highlighting the importance of ongoing blood transfusions for sickle cell management.
Dr. Meredith Parsons, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology from University of Iowa gave an overview on sickle cell disease and its effect on patients, with a special focus on the importance of having appropriately matched units of blood available for patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis.
We also heard from ImpactLife's Shyneeta Rush (Supervisor, Donor Services), who has witnessed the impact of sickle cell disease on multiple family members.
Help spread sickle cell disease awareness! Update your social accounts with images from our official toolkit!
WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY
We joined blood providers worldwide in celebrating World Blood Donor Day last Sunday, June 14. It's the birthdate of Dr. Karl Landsteiner, the Austrian researcher who identified blood types and the Rh-factor in blood.
![Alan Grimme's 75th Donation]()
Longtime donor Alan Grimme made the day extra sweet by donating for the 75th time at 75 years of age! Alan made his first donation more than 50 years ago while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was kind enough not only to bring a cake to the Davenport HQ Donor Center, he also encourages others to make their own milestone as a blood donor!
WE ALL BLEED THE SAME
"The ability to be able to do something as simple as donate blood to help someone that they may not even know, I think it's so fulfilling as a person who has donated before, and it helps to really bring people together in a way that feels so important right now."
When we work together, everyone benefits. The Project of the Quad Cities provides vital healthcare and support services for the LGBTQ+ community. The Project become a real Partner for Life by hosting blood drives and educating the LGBTQ+ community about 2023 eligibility changes that made blood donation more inclusive.
Hear from Tyler Mitchell with The Project about how we really all do bleed the same and why it's important to support all members of our community. You can catch us at the upcoming PRIDE 5k: Walk, Run & Roll and after-party in Moline, hosted by The Project, on Saturday, June 27!
OUT FOR BLOOD WITH THE CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS
Because of blood donors, moments like this are possible. On Wednesday, Marek Rudkzi and his brother, Truman, were special guests at a Cedar Rapids Kernels game, where Marek had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. For most families, it's a fun memory, but for the Rudzkis, it was a reminder of how far Marek has come.
Marek faced cancer at a young age and received blood transfusions as part of his treatment. Today, he is a happy and healthy 13-year-old getting ready to start 7th grade in the fall.
Because of blood donors and our work, Marek, and so many kids like him, get to have more birthdays, more family memories, and more opportunities to simply be kids.
BERC ACTIVATED
It's the blood on the shelves that helps save lives. Last Friday, thanks to blood donors like you, we were able to send blood to our BERC partner in Texas after a mass shooting in Midland.
WQAD stopped by our headquarters to learn more about how blood centers help each other in times of tragedy through Blood Emergency Readiness Corps - BERC. Watch it here.