BRIDGEPORT, CT – The American Red Cross and African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church are partnering to emphasize the importance of a diverse blood supply to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease. Together, they are committed to expanding blood donation opportunities in Black communities across Connecticut and helping combat the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black and African Americans, like sickle cell disease, chronic illnesses, complications from childbirth, and trauma-related accidents.

AME Zion Church locations will begin to host blood drives throughout their various locations in Connecticut in 2023 to help create awareness of the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative (RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood) among the Black and African American communities around the state.

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 are a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the Red Cross is working with partners like AME Zion Church to grow the number of blood donors who are Black.

“The partnership developing between the Red Cross and the AME Zion Church is filling critical needs in the African American communities throughout the state. Educating the public is vital to their understanding of the importance of giving blood to save lives. Making blood drives accessible in safe spaces will go a long way in building and sustaining trust," said Vanessa Clayton, District President of the Missionary Society. Clayton is also the Community Diversity Engagement Research Associate in the Yale Medical School Alzheimer’s Disease Unit.

Rev. Elvin Clayton of the Walters Memorial AME Zion Church will host the first blood drive of the new partnership on Saturday April 22, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 445 Broad Street in Bridgeport. Members will also be disseminating information about a clinical trial to get “AHEAD” of Alzheimer’s, which is a debilitating disease that affects African Americans twice as much as whites, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We are so very appreciative of the AME Zion Church joining together with the Red Cross,” said Tom Beyer, Board Chair of the American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter. “Their support in the form of sponsoring blood drives will make a significant difference in the lives of many, and in particular, those suffering with sickle cell disease. We look forward to working with them to make the April blood drive the first of many successes!”

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim will join members of the Red Cross and AME Zion Church to help spread the word about the importance of blood donation and sign residents up for upcoming blood drives. They will be canvassing the neighborhood with vital community information on Saturday, April 8 starting at 9 a.m.

The Red Cross was invited to be presenters at the Hartford District Conference & Missionary Mass Meeting on March 17 by District President Clayton. This conference was held at the Cross Street AME Zion Church in Middletown hosted by Rev. Moses L. Harvill, host pastor and presiding elder. The main focus of the conference "Prayer, Partnership and Participation” emanated the theme of "Pursuing New Possibilities in Changing Times”. Red Cross Biomedical Account Manager Ricardo Curry II provided a dynamic Sickle Cell Initiative presentation during the Lay Hour to district leadership of AME Zion's 15 churches throughout Connecticut which included AME Zion pastors, ministers, preachers and district delegates.

The AME Zion Church and its members have been instrumental in many of the freedom struggles of this nation, including the first wave of Black social activism and the Civil Rights Movement of the '60s. Along with its emphasis on ministry and social change in the United States, the denomination has focused much of its attention and energies on outreach at home and abroad. As the Church continues to expand and diversify its ministry, it is also preparing to lead an ever increasing youthful church body into the next century. Learn more about their work.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. In Connecticut, individuals who are 16 years of age with parental consent, 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.