Sickle Cell Center

Centers of Excellence
Diggs-Kraus Sickle Cell Center

Sickle Cell is an inherited blood disorder that affects one in 350 African-Americans. The disease is characterised by sickling of blood cells that inhibit blood flow. This causes pain, fever, strokes, and even death.

The Diggs Kraus Sickle Cell Center at The MED has been a pioneer in research and treatment of this disease since 1929. People with this disease can live long and healthy lives by receiving frequent blood transfusions. Blood donations from African-Americans provide the best possible matches for Sickle Cell patients.

Facts:

Sickle Cell disease is not contagious People who only have the trait for Sickle Cell, do not get the disease The trait is also found in people from Central America, Jamaica, Asia, and the Middle East
With proper treatment, a person with Sickle Cell disease can live a long and healthy life

Click here to view The MED's Patient Information Sheet on Sickle Cell disease. Normal red blood cells flow freely through veins. Sickled blood cells inhibit blood flow. This causes pain, fever, stokes, and even death. Blood transfusions can help to relieve these symptoms.

Blood donations from African-Americans provide the best possible matches. Please donate blood and ask for it to be designated for treatment of Sickle Cell disease.

For more information call: Diggs Kraus Sickle Cell Center at (901) 545-8535