Two Erie blood drives honor sickle cell warriors

Red Cross offers multiple incentives as severe blood shortage continues

[ERIE, FEB. 23, 2026] - On Monday, March 9, 2026, the American Red Cross will host two blood drives in Erie to help ensure patients have the blood products they need.

The Red Cross urges people to take action now to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms on efforts to rebuild the blood supply during an ongoing blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are asked to make a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible. Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions - including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and people with sickle cell disease or cancer - face serious risk.

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., and regular blood transfusions are critical to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.

March 9 Blood Drives:

Erie High School
3325 Cherry St., Erie, PA 16508
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Booker T. Washington Center
1720 Holland St., Erie, PA 16503
Noon - 6 p.m.

Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Red Cross will perform free A1C testing on successful donations in March (one result per calendar year, fasting not required). Plus, those who come to give at these blood drives will receive $35 in Amazon gift cards by email and a Red Cross t-shirt (while supplies last). More information at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

More information about sickle cell disease:

• Sickle cell disease distorts soft and round red blood cells and turns them hard and crescent shaped. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia, and even strokes.
• People with sickle cell disease may require as many as 100 units of blood each year.
• Learn more: RedCrossBlood.org/SickleCell

Health insights for donors:

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

How to donate blood:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitRedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of agein most states(16 with parental consentwhere allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org. Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.