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Blood bank seeking increase in donations

2 min read

In honor of Black History Month, Central Blood Bank is highlighting the importance of blood donation among African-Americans.

Thirty-seven percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet less than 5 percent actually donates. Less than 1 percent of these blood donations are from African-Americans.

Blood that closely matches a patient’s ethnicity is more likely to be compatible with the patient’s own blood, and such transfusions can lead to fewer complications. For example, some African-American donors have different combinations of antigens in their blood, which are rarely found in other ethnic groups.

“Encouraging and maintaining diversity among our donors helps Central Blood Bank to continue supplying blood products to the community,” said Michele Tysarczyk, executive director of Central Blood Bank. “Blood donation is an important community service, and it should be shared by everyone.”

Certain blood disorders also affect African-Americans more than other ethnicities. Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that affects about 100,000 people in the United States, mainly African-Americans.

Prostate, breast, lung and colorectal cancer are among the leading cancers that have a disproportionately higher mortality rate in African-Americans. Many cancer treatment regimens include chemotherapy and radiation, which have as a consequence a decrease in production of blood cells by the bone marrow, including a decrease in platelets. Many patients depend on platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding.

About 45 percent of people in the United States have type O blood. This percentage is higher among African-Americans at 51 percent. Type O negative blood is frequently used in emergency situations because it is universally compatible.

“With ongoing outreach, proper education and awareness, Central Blood Bank looks forward to building its donor base and enhancing the community’s knowledge of blood donation and the very special role each donor has in supporting life,” Tysarczyk said.

In preparation for blood donations, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with parental consent.

For more information about Central Blood Bank and donation sites, visit centralbloodbank.org.

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