“We could end the activation of the Sickle Cell Trait in our generation, if knowing your status becomes a part of Black culture.” - Professor Kira Lee, aka Prof. K

Sickle Cell, Blood Equity, and Why Community Giving Saves Lives

KSF Live Interview Recap | December 19, 2025 | Richmond, CA

On December 19, 2025, in Richmond, California, KSF Live hosted a critical conversation with American Red Cross representative Ed Faso on one of the most urgent and often overlooked public health issues impacting Black and brown communities: Sickle cell disease and the need for matched blood donors.

Produced by Prof. K + K. Stewart, the interview explored how blood shortages disproportionately affect Black patients and why community-based action is essential to saving lives.

Why Sickle Cell and Blood Donation Are Inseparable

Sickle cell disease primarily affects Black and African American families and often requires regular blood transfusions to manage pain crises, prevent stroke, and sustain quality of life. Because blood antigens are inherited, patients have better outcomes when donors share similar racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Despite this reality, Black donors remain underrepresented in the national blood supply which creates a dangerous gap in care.

During the interview, Ed Faso emphasized that this gap becomes most severe during holidays and emergencies, when donation rates drop but medical need does not.

Key Takeaways From the Conversation

The discussion highlighted:

• Why sickle cell trait is widely misunderstood and minimized

• How blood shortages place Black patients at increased risk

• The life-saving importance of racially diverse blood donors

• Why partnerships between national organizations and local leadership matter

The message was clear: Blood equity is a justice issue, and donating blood is one of the fastest ways to take action.

Pride + Purpose: From Conversation to Community Action

This episode of KSF Live directly supports the Pride + Purpose Blood Drive, hosted by the K. Stewart Foundation in partnership with TRK Events and the American Red Cross.

📅 Friday, December 26, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Richmond City Hall | 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804

Pride + Purpose is about dignity, access, and showing up for communities that have historically been underserved by healthcare systems. Each donation can help save up to three lives, including those living with sickle cell disease.

👉 Register to Donate Blood

Community members are encouraged to register in advance to donate blood at the Pride + Purpose Blood Drive:

🔗 Register here:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=KSTEWART

Walk-ins are welcome when available, but appointments help ensure a smooth and efficient experience for all donors.

Why This Work Matters

KSF Live exists to elevate conversations that lead to real-world impact. Public health equity, community education, and direct action are core to the K. Stewart Foundation’s mission.

As shared during the episode, systems don’t change on their own—communities change them.

By tuning in, sharing this conversation, and donating blood, you are helping turn awareness into action—and purpose into life-saving impact.