With adequate treatment and management most patients with thalassemia can live a long, productive and prosperous life. In places of the world where screening, access to treatment, and regular monitoring are limited, however, the consequences are devastating.
If you do not have thalassemia and want to help those that do, please donate blood by calling your local blood bank [1] or asking your health care provider how you can donate your blood.
If you have a friend or family member with thalassemia who needs blood transfusions, you can donate blood for a specific person if your blood type is compatible.