INDIANAPOLIS — Donating blood -- It’s a constant need for blood banks across Central Indiana.
Ahead of World Sickle Cell Day, a push for Black blood donors grows.
“I believe our purpose for being here is to help one another,” Sharon Hatcher-Hutchinson said. She is passionate about many things, and one is spreading awareness about Sickle Cell Disease.
“Living with sickle cell it’s very important to get blood transfusions. This is detrimental to your life. Without it, you can possibly die,” Hatcher-Hutchinson said.
The now 60-year-old who lives in Indianapolis was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was two. Throughout her lifetime, she estimates she has had some 300-400 blood transfusions.

“There would be times when I would be inpatient and have a transfusion or even just go in and have transfusions,” Hatcher-Hutchinson said.
Dr. David Hedrick with the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center treats hundreds of patients with SCD including Hatcher-Hutchinson. He said about 1,500 Hoosiers are living with the hereditary blood disorder, which impacts primarily the Black community.
“You’re more likely to do well and respond well to a transfusion if it comes from people who have a similar background of you,” Dr. Hedrick said. He notes “less than one-half of one percent of donated blood across the country comes from Black Americans.”
“Patients who have had to get their blood from Wisconsin or Texas because we can’t get their blood here because there isn’t a proper match here,” Dr. Hedrick said.
Both doctors and patients here are asking those willing and able to donate to do so, in order to help those living with sickle cell. They encourage those with concerns about the process to ask questions.
“All ethnicities please donate blood because you don’t know whose life you might be saving,” Hatcher-Hutchinson said.
Dr. Hedrick suggests those who want to donate check with local blood banks first to set up an appointment.
-
“I hurt somebody”: Body camera reveals moments after deadly drunk driving crash
Newly obtained body camera footage is shedding light on how police officers handled a 2022 crash that left one man dead and injured several people.Environmental groups call for public input on state's environmental regulations
Environmental advocates are calling on Hoosiers to express their concerns to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.Judge upholds security presence at Lugar Tower after resident concerns
A judge has ruled that security must remain in place at Lugar Tower, following concerns from residents over crime, including drug activity, assaults, and robberies.Children's Museum dinos ready to slam dunk All-Star Weekend in new WNBA gear
🦖 The iconic outdoor dinosaurs at The Children's Museum are now decked out in WNBA All-Star gear. Check out their vibrant new look as we gear up for the big weekend.