A new blood donor centre in Brixton aims to boost donations from the local community, especially for sickle cell patients
They even unveiled a plaque for Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, the first sickle cell nurse counsellor in the UK. She’s been a champion for sickle cell awareness for decades, and it’s great to see her work recognized.
The centre is designed to be welcoming and friendly, making it easy for locals to come in and donate. It’s right on the main shopping street, so it’s super accessible. Plus, there’s artwork from local artists that tells inspiring stories of young black donors.
Inside, the consultation rooms are named after local spots like Windrush Square and Electric Avenue. Donors can even leave messages on a feedback wall to encourage others to join in.
Brixton has a large black heritage population, which is crucial for increasing blood donations. Many people with sickle cell disease need specific blood types that are more common in the black community.
Dame Elizabeth, who opened the centre, emphasized how important blood donors are for patients. She’s been advocating for this cause since the 1970s, and her message is clear: the community’s generosity can save lives.
The NHS Blood and Transplant team is thrilled about the new centre and is encouraging everyone in Brixton to come by and donate. They have the capacity for over 1,000 appointments a week, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to help out.
If you’re in the area, consider making an appointment. It’s a simple way to make a big difference in someone’s life!
