LYNN — The American Red Cross’s second Sickle Cell Initiative Blood Drive in Lynn will be honoring the late Gordon “Buzzy” Barton. The lifelong Lynner, retired Lynn firefighter, and city councilor at-large since 2012 passed away April 5.
“Buzzy was a leader in our community and assisted with our initial Lynn Sickle Cell Blood Drive last year,” American Red Cross Northeastern Massachusetts Board of Directors member David J. Solimine, Jr. said. “It is only fitting that we honor Buzzy in this way.”
The blood drive is being held April 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Bethlehem Temple Pentecostal Church.
“We are grateful to our host, Pastor Tony Bennett, for providing the church hall for our use,” Lynn native Schuyler Hogan, who is running the initiative, said. “The Sickle Cell Initiative is very personal for me, as I have a young niece that has sickle cell disease. I encourage everyone who is able to donate blood to sign up as a donor by going to redcrossblood.org.”
Other local organizations and individuals supporting the blood drive include the Community Minority Cultural Center headed by Darrell Murkison, the North Shore Juneteenth Association headed by Nicole McClain, and retired Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer.
The Lynn Sickle Cell Initiative is part of the American Red Cross’s national initiative.
“The American Red Cross launched the initiative to reach more blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve health outcomes,” a press release from Solimine said. “In the United States, it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease and may require regular blood transfusions throughout their lifetime.”
In order to manage pain and long-term health for those with sickle cell disease, blood transfusions are “essential.” Blood donations that are the most beneficial come from individuals of the same blood type, and same race or similar ethnicity.
“Since the majority of people with sickle cell are of African descent, blood donations from Black individuals are critical in helping those suffering from this disease,” the press release said.
