African-American blood donors hold the power to save other African-Americans in need of a blood transfusion. That\u2019s because donors with genetically-similar blood are more likely to be a match for patients from the same ethnic background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to blood donations, researchers have found that African-Americans are under-represented among donors and that minority donors in general are less likely to become regular donors. For more information on Blood Donations please visit the following links<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organizations America\u2019s Blood Centers (ABC)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Blood Centers of America (BCA)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Community Blood Center (CBC)<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hoxworth Blood Center<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Versiti<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n Learn more about blood donation!<\/p>\n\n\n
Why should African-Americans donate blood?<\/strong>
Increasing African-American donations is vital because blood types O and B, the blood types of about 70 percent of African-Americans, are also the blood types most in demand.
Genetically-similar blood is preferred for those who need repeated blood transfusions, and for conditions like sickle cell disease (SCD), which primarily affects African-Americans. Blood that closely matches that of a patient is less likely to be rejected by the patient and can mean fewer complications after a transfusion.
African-American blood donors are more likely to be a match for the majority of individuals with SCD in the United States, making them ideal donors to help SCD patients receive regular blood transfusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American Red Cross (ARC)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/h6>\n