SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is donating $5.1 million to the American Red Cross to support blood donation programs and treatment for sickle cell disease.

The donation will provide new blood collection equipment for donor centers and help increase the number of compatible blood units available for patients with sickle cell disease.

"Through our collaboration, we are increasing blood donations, advancing sickle cell disease treatment and strengthening our ability to bless millions of lives," said Blaine Maxfield, managing director of Welfare and Self-Reliance Services for the church.

This is the latest effort in a long-standing partnership. The Church has collaborated with the American Red Cross since the late 1800s and is the largest single contributor

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