You hear it often: There’s a need for blood donors -- but there’s apparently a particular need for the Black community to step up and donate.
The most common genetic blood disease in the United States is sickle cell disease, according to American Red Cross, and blood donors who are Black play a critical role in helping those who suffer from the disease.
Recommended Videos
While the race of blood donors doesn’t usually matter -- as long as the blood types are compatible -- those who are part of the Black community (including African American or others of African descent) have unique protein structures that can make it hard to find compatible units of blood in other donor populations.
Because there have been few resources available to those who suffer from sickle cell disease, according to the Red Cross, blood transfusions remain one of the primary treatments to help with complications related to the disease -- things that include organ and tissue damage, severe pain and strokes.
The Red Cross says those who suffer from sickle cell are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor of the same race or ethnicity.
“While the science of blood antigens can be complicated, the simple fact is, individuals who are Black have unique antigens on their red blood cells that must be closely matched for patients with sickle cell disease,” the Red Cross website states.
While the Red Cross is working to address blood-related medical concerns that are prevalent in Black populations, currently, the organization says, there are not enough blood donors to help meet the need, as “African American individuals make up 13% of the U.S. population, but less than 3% of blood donors.”
In addition, experts with Red Cross say the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the challenges that patients with sickle cell face, as there has been less availability of care and access to blood products needed for their treatment.
“One treatment a patient should not have to worry about is the availability of a closely matched blood product to ease their pain,” the Red Cross website says.
If you are interested in donating blood, click or tap here to learn more or to find a location near you.