ByDOTHAN, Ala. - Right now, with a decrease in blood donations and an increase in blood usage, Alabama is experiencing a blood shortage.Sickle Cell Anemia is a blood disorder that affects red blood cells.
“Sickle cell disease is a profoundly devastating disease for many people,” Dr. Wes Stubblefield with Alabama Department of Public Health .Its a protein that allows the cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the body. ”People can have things where their red blood cells get sticky in parts of their body and it can cause severe pain in different extremities. They can also have problems in their lungs and brain. It is a disease that can lead to a shorter life span,” Stubblefield said.“People with sickle cell disease may require many transfusions over their lifetime,” Stubblefield said.LifeSouth says having donors is crucial, including those with sickle cell trait.
”Donors that have the trait, if they come in and donate, those units are used for sickle cell patients. They are less likely to have a reaction to the blood transfusion when they are receiving it if a donor has the trait,” Rebecca Hughes, a regional manager at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, said.“It is always important for people to donate no matter what the situation is. You never know when you may need it, when your family may need it, or someone in your community,” Hughes said.
LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s Dothan location is open seven days a week for those who want to donate.