Pain, joint swelling, fatigue and acute chest syndrome are a daily occurrence for thousands of people in the U.S. suffering from sickle cell disease, or SCD. The disease transforms the shape of red blood cells, which can lead to multiple blood transfusions.

Blood donations offer vital support for those battling this life-threatening disease.

It’s a relatively easy and painless way for you to have a role in life-changing therapy. All it takes is a little time and quick needle stick,” saidVandy Black, M.D., M.S., FAAP, UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Pediatric Sickle Cell Program director and a UF College of Medicine clinical assistant professor.

Through blood transfusions, patients suffering from SCD are able to receive healthy blood cells to replace their sickle-shaped cells. The new round red blood cells move easily throughout the body, resulting in better blood flow and less swelling.

As the sole blood supplier for the Gainesville area, LifeSouth Community Blood Center is in constant need of donations to aid our patients and community. On average, LifeSouth’s North Florida locations receive about 60,000 donations a year. Each donation can provide up to three blood products — red blood cells, plasma and platelets — and has the potential to save three lives. Last fiscal year, more than 65,600 blood products were transfused at our hospitals and practices alone.

“Nationally, one in seven patients entering a hospital will need blood,” said Laura Bialeck, LifeSouth district community development coordinator. “Trauma patients, transplant recipients and cancer patients often need blood just to make it another day. Hospital workers can see the impact blood donations make and have the opportunity to improve the odds that blood will be there when it’s most needed.”

No matter our role at UF Health, we each have what it takes to save a life. For more information on blood donation and area blood drives, visit lifesouth.org.

Only about 4 in 100 people donate blood regularly — donate today!

Throughout July and August, LifeSouth will host blood drives at UF Health Shands Hospital in the west entrance hallway. Free T-Shirts, snacks and beverages are provided while supplies last. For dates and times, visit the events calendar on the Bridge.