Published by Kirby Winn on Monday, June 15, 2026 in News Releases
In recognition of Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day, ImpactLife will host 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.
Join us at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at the ImpactLife headquarters (5500 Lakeview Pkwy., Davenport) to hear from a University of Iowa professor and physician and individuals who have been personally affected by sickle cell disease.
![ImpactLife SCD patient photo]()
Speakers:
Dr. Meredith Parsons, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology from University of Iowa. Dr. Parsons will provide 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 will also hear from those who have firsthand experience living with and caring for loved ones who have sickle cell disease. Olienna Bluitt (patient) and her brother, Lamour Bluitt, will share their experience along with ImpactLife's Shyneeta Rush, Supervisor, Donor Services, who has witnessed the impact of sickle cell disease on multiple family members.
About Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It is the most common hereditary disorder and currently affects more than 100,000 Americans, predominantly people of African descent. The red blood cells in patients with sickle cell disease can become “sickled” in shape, which can cause the cells to become stuck in small blood vessels. Patients can experience pain and anemia and are at increased risk for strokes and other types of organ damage. When patients experience a sickle cell crisis, red cell transfusion is a major form of therapy to relieve symptoms.
![SCD infographic]()
Patients with sickle cell disease frequently receive transfusions of red blood cells to help treat symptoms of a sickle cell crisis. But finding appropriately matched units for sickle cell disease patients is a challenge for blood providers. With more frequent blood transfusions, patients with sickle cell disease can develop antibodies that are directed against red blood cell antigens. This process, called alloimmunization, makes it important for patients to receive antigen-negative blood types that are more generally found in donors of African descent.
To help increase the diversity of the blood center’s donor base, ImpactLife has created a donor program called Red4Life. Under Red4Life, the blood center identifies and recruits donors who may be an appropriate antigen match for patients with sickle cell disease. These donors are then invited to join the Red4Life program and receive special donor rewards and additional points to use in the ImpactLife Donor Loyalty Store. (Learn more at www.bloodcenter.org/red4life.)
For more information:
ABOUT IMPACTLIFE
ImpactLife is a nonprofit, independent, community blood center founded in 1974 that provides lifesaving blood products and services to more than 130 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. ImpactLife is one of the top 12 blood providers in the U.S. supporting the needs of patients, hospitals, EMS partners, and medical researchers throughout the country. The blood center’s mission is supported by more than 200,000 volunteer blood donations each year. For more information, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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CONTACT:
KIRBY WINN
Manager, Public Relations
kwinn@impactlife.org
mobile 563-349-1571