CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The African American Museum of Iowa partnered with the American Red Cross on Friday to host a Juneteenth blood drive while raising awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations to help people living with sickle cell disease.
The event coincided with both Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Day.
According to the Red Cross, more than 100,000 people in the United States live with sickle cell disease, making it the nation’s most common genetic blood disorder. The condition can slow or block blood flow and cause complications including anemia, pain, infections and, in some cases, death.
Organizers said the blood drive’s location at the African American Museum of Iowa was intentional.