Sickle Cell: No. 1 Inherited Blood Disease Effects 100,000 Americans

LINCOLN, Neb. — An estimated 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease, making it the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. One in 13 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait, according to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

People with sickle cell disease may need as many as 100 units of blood each year, according to the American Red Cross, and donations always are needed. The Nebraska Community Blood Bank’s Sickle Cell Donor Program is a way to donate blood to help treat individuals living with sickle cell disease.