Why the NHS needs more Black donors
40,000 more Black donors of all blood groups are needed to meet growing demand for better matched blood and a special subtype of blood more common in Black people. Currently, only 1% of people who give blood in England are Black. Could you be a donor?
You might be the perfect match
To get the best treatment, patients need closely matched blood, which is most likely to come from someone with the same ethnicity. Having the right mix of donors and blood types is essential for the NHS Blood and Transplant department to ensure they meet the needs of all patients who need lifesaving treatment.
The Ro subtype
Some donors may find they are a blood subtype called Ro, which is more common in black donors. Between 2014 and 2016 we saw a 75% increase in the amount of Ro subtype blood issued to hospitals in England. This blood type is needed for treating sickle cell disease – a condition particularly common to people of African or Caribbean descent that causes abnormally shaped red blood cells.
Sickle cell disease
Because these misshapen, sickle-shaped cells do not carry oxygen efficiently around the body, sickle cell disease can be extremely painful and cause life-threatening infections. It can lead to stroke or loss of vision. Blood transfusions help to reduce and prevent these symptoms.
Sickle cell trait
Having sickle cell trait does not mean you cannot be a blood donor. You just need to tell the donor session staff.
Become a blood donor
You can register online as a blood donor today and find an appointment near to you, using the NHS online booking system. They have 23 permanent blood centres and a number of other community venues that offer regular appointments throughout the year. Having donors who regularly donate year-round is what keeps the blood supply to hospitals stable.
Support blood donation
Regardless of whether you can or can’t donate, you can still help the NHS to find the 40,000 new Black donors by telling friends and family and sharing the message on social media.