FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - A minority-focused blood drive was held in Fort Wayne Saturday, ahead of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., community members were invited to the Anthis Career Center on donote blood.

According to organizers, the minority-focused blood drive was held to bring awareness to a life-threatening condition that impacts millions of people worldwide - sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become rigid and ‘sickle’-shaped, weakening their ability to flow smoothly through blood vessels.

The disorder, which primarily impacts people of African, Asian, Hispanic, Latino, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent, can cause blockages among other various health issues and is often treated with blood t

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