Suburban Propane and American Red Cross Team Up with Coppin State University to Raise Sickle Cell Awareness and Collect Blood in Baltimore

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Suburban Propane Partners (NYSE: SPH) collaborated with the American Red Cross and Coppin State University in Baltimore on October 30th, 2024, to host a blood donation event focused on raising awareness of sickle cell disease. The initiative addresses a critical need, as sickle cell disease affects approximately 1 in 365 African American births in the United States, with patients requiring up to 100 units of blood annually for treatment.

The partnership emphasizes the importance of blood donations, particularly from black and brown communities, who are nearly three times more likely to be suitable donors for sickle cell patients. The event aims to support the estimated 100,000 people living with sickle cell disease in the U.S. who require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime.

BALTIMORE and WHIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SPH), a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, partnered with the American Red Cross and Coppin State University in Baltimore on October 30^th to host a blood donation event focused on raising awareness of sickle cell disease, and the urgent need for donations. This collaboration brings local communities together to support those impacted by the disease and increase vital blood donations for those in need.

Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects individuals in black and brown communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 365 African American births in the United States are diagnosed with sickle cell disease, making awareness and community support essential in combating its effects and managing the condition. Patients with sickle cell disease may require up to 100 units of blood annually to manage complications associated with their condition. This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for donors to step forward to help their neighbors.

"Blood donation is crucial as we strive to educate our communities about the disease and its transfusion requirements. Each patient requires a significant amount of blood annually to manage complications, highlighting the pressing demand for donors, particularly from the black and brown communities, who are more likely to be a match," said Nandini Sankara, spokesperson for Suburban Propane. "Every donation can transform lives by providing essential support to those fighting this disease. Together, we can ensure that individuals receive the critical transfusions necessary to enhance their quality of life."

"Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., and regular blood transfusions are critical to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. It is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease and may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime — as many as 100 units of blood per patient each year. For patients with sickle cell disease, blood donors who are Black are almost three times more likely to be a match for the blood most commonly needed, compared with donors who are not Black or African American," said Jodi Zand, Red Cross Regional Donor Services Executive. "We are proud to partner with wonderful organizations like Suburban Propane and

Coppin State University to help alleviate the pain and suffering of sickle cell disease. People who want to donate should go to redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

For more information or to schedule your appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org

About Suburban Propane:

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. ("Suburban Propane") is a publicly traded master limited partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban Propane has been in the customer service business since 1928 and is a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas ("RNG"), fuel oil, and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and producer of and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, servicing the energy needs of approximately 1 million residential, commercial, governmental, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 700 locations across 42 states. 

Suburban Propane is supported by three core pillars: (1) Suburban Commitment – showcasing Suburban Propane's 95-year legacy, an ongoing commitment to the highest standards for dependability, flexibility, and reliability that underscores Suburban Propane's commitment to excellence in customer service; (2) SuburbanCares® – highlighting continued dedication to giving back to local communities across Suburban Propane's national footprint; and (3) Go Green with Suburban Propane – promoting the clean burning and versatile nature of propane and renewable propane as a bridge to a green energy future and investing in the next generation of innovative, renewable energy alternatives. 

For additional information on Suburban Propane, please visit suburbanpropane.com.   

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SOURCE Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.

FAQ

What was the purpose of SPH's partnership with American Red Cross and Coppin State University?

The partnership aimed to host a blood donation event on October 30th, 2024, to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and collect blood donations in Baltimore.

How many units of blood do sickle cell patients need annually according to the SPH event?

According to the event information, sickle cell patients may require up to 100 units of blood annually to manage complications associated with their condition.

What is the prevalence of sickle cell disease in African American births?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 365 African American births in the United States are diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Why are Black donors particularly important for sickle cell patients according to the SPH event?

Black donors are almost three times more likely to be a match for the blood most commonly needed by sickle cell patients compared to donors who are not Black or African American.