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Geno Atkins condition raises awareness for sickle cell, need for donations

145 views · Published 4 January 2016 · 2:53 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2016 · News & Politics

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Geno Atkins was reported to have sickle cell trait, often referred to as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell disease. There is something people can to try to help those with the disease have a better quality of life.

"I've been doing it for about the past ten years," said Darrell Reid. 

People can donate blood which is what Reid does regularly, "People need help, so I figure it's my way of giving back."

His blood is especially needed because he is African American. Sickle cell tends to be more common among African Americans. As people may have noticed during the Bengals game, there are precautions that need to be taken with the concern at higher altitudes. In some people it can raise the odds of trouble breathing or dehydration.

At Hoxworth Blood Centers, they have products donated by blood donors to help those with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. 

"It's a category of red blood cell disease, where they have a different type of hemoglobin than normal red cells carry. That particular hemoglobin, cuts down on how long the red cells stay in the circulation so it may be transfusion support more frequently than other patients with other types of anemia," said Dr. Patricia Carey.

Dr.  Carey said to assist in meeting the demand, Hoxworth needs more African American donors, "Because they have different proteins or chemicals on the red cell surface that more ideally match other African American patients that help us meet those patient needs in a much more efficient way."

No problems were reported for Atkins related to his sickle cell at the game, but it does raise awareness for everyone. Nationwide, only about two percent of donors were African American. In the Tri-State it's a little higher; officials said four percent. 

To give blood people need to be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17-years-old.

If you have questions about how you can help, call Hoxworth at 513-451-0910. They also have a need for platelets right now, which help treat cancer and burn patients.

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