NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — As September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood.

According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States. It can cause frequent infections, anemia, episodes of pain and tiredness.

CDC data also showed that about 1 in every 365 Black or African American newborns are born with sickle cell disease. There is also no cure.

Patients can only receive blood from other Black donors. That's why the Red Cross will campaign throughout the month about the importance of donating blood.

"This is why having discussions like this, reminding the public of the important role that they play, but also reminding them why it's so critical that our blood supply matches the communities in which we ser

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