HAMILTON COUNTY (September 25, 2012)-Help the American Red Cross meet the needs of patients by donating blood during September, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

Sickle cell anemia is a disease that affects around 70,000 in the U.S., most of them African descent, but also some of Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, and Turkish descent.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to form with in an abnormal crescent shape.

One of the most common treatments is regular blood transfusions, which can help reduce some risks and complications of the disease.

There is currently no cure for sickle cell disease.

On Wednesday, the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hico High School in the workroom, located at 901 Cedar Street.