Earn free CME/CNE credits for course on SCD-related transfusion complications

Blood transfusions are an important part of medical care for many patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), reducing health complications and death. Although transfusions can be highly beneficial in treating SCD-related issues, they are not without risks. The CDC is sharing resources for healthcare providers about reducing SCD-related transfusion complications, as well as educational resources on minority blood donation.

1. Provider training video series: “Reducing complications of therapeutic blood transfusions in sickle cell disease”

This four-part educational video series for healthcare providers, which was created in collaboration with the CDC and the Georgia Health Policy Center (GHPC), is designed to provide information about and strategies for reducing transfusion complications in people with SCD.

The four modules are: Introduction by James Eckman, M.D. Module 1: Use of blood transfusion during acute illness by Peter Lane, M.D. Module 2: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions by Ross Fasano, M.D. Module 3: Management of chronic transfusion by James Eckman, M.D.

Watch the training video series, and earn CME/CNE credits! For credits, go to cdc.gov/TCEOnline, click search and type in the course number in the module title. The course number starts with a ‘WD’ and is followed by 4 numbers.

2. Healthcare providers: Watch a CDC Expert Commentary on Medscape about transfusions in SCD!

	Dr. Mary Hulihan, a Health Scientist in the Division of Blood Disorders at the CDC discusses the scenarios in which transfusions are appropriate for patients with SCD, the complications associated with transfusions, and how to reduce the risk of complications from transfusions. Watch the CDC Expert Commentary.

3. Be the Motivation for Blood Donation pamphlet

Did you know that African-American blood donors are important for people with SCD? Read this pamphlet to learn why minority blood donation is important and how you can save lives by donating blood.

4. Blood donation animated graphic

Learn about minority blood donations through a new animated graphic! Share it on social media to help spread awareness about the importance of African-American blood donations.

5. Sickle Cell Disease: Give Blood, Save a Life Podcast

This CDC podcast highlights the importance of blood donations from African Americans to help people with SCD who might need one or more blood transfusions.