Antioch Baptist Church holds blood drive for sickle cell awareness

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and Lifeshare Blood Center are joining forces for a blood drive on September 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Antioch Activity Center.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder. The body produces red blood cells shaped like crescents or sickles. The abnormal shape causes the cells to become rigid and sticky, which can block blood flow and lead to other complications.

Rosalind Spain, Coordinator of Sickle Cell Disease Association, and Ebony Harris, one of the Lead Coordinators of LifeShare Blood Center of Shreveport-Bossier, will be in attendance to educate the public about sickle cell anemia and the importance of giving blood.

There will also be door prizes, with gifts donated by local businesses, and refreshments will be available.