Diversify Blood Supply
People of different ethnic backgrounds all have one thing in common…blood. It is life sustaining for each of us. We encourage every African American who is in general good health, 17 years of age or older, or are 16 years of age with a signed parental consent form and weighs at least 110 lbs to make a contribution to your community. Give blood today.
Why is it important for African Americans to donate?
- One out of three people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime.
- Our African American community is rich in blood types O and B. These blood types are constantly in short supply.
- Other evidence pointing to the importance of more African American donations is from medical research showing that African Americans have specific blood traits which are most compatible with other African Americans. This is particularly true in the case of patients with sickle cell disease. While other ethnicities experience this disease, African Americans have the largest population of sickle cell patients.
- Sickle cell patients in need of blood transfusions have far better results when the donor is of the same ethnic background, helping to reduce the production of harmful antibodies.
- Because there are some rare blood antigens unique to African Americans, it is hard to find compatible blood types for some patients. Often their best match is a transfusion which comes from another African American donor.
Giving blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. No one can contract AIDS, Hepatitis or any other disease from donation blood. Only sterile, disposable needles and blood bags are used.