United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-5) shared a public service announcement in observance of Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, encouraging community members to donate blood this summer and helping raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood donations to support patients with sickle cell disease and others who rely on lifesaving transfusions.
Congressman Cleaver’s urgent message comes at a critical time as local donations have recently declined by more than 30% during the summer months, creating challenges in maintaining a stable blood supply for local hospitals and patients.
“I want to encourage everyone to consider donating blood to help a sickle cell patient or someone else who is in need,” Congressman Cleaver said. “…One in three African American donors are a match with someone with sickle cell. If you can give the blood these patients need to survive, you are a hero in our community.”
Rep. Cleaver also highlighted the contrast between declining blood donations and increased demand for blood during the summer months, commonly known as trauma season, when trauma-related injuries and medical needs often place additional pressure on the blood supply.
We thank Congressman Cleaver for helping amplify the need for blood donors in the greater Kansas City area, and we invite the community to join us in this lifesaving mission—just one hour of your time can help save up to three lives.
Please watch Rep. Cleaver’s PSA here, and visit savealifenow.org to learn more and schedule your donation today.