Let's Make It Count

African American Blood Donor Recruitment

A variety of patients need blood. Trauma victims, premature infants, cancer patients and many others rely on a safe and adequate blood supply to survive. That is why it is important for the community blood supply to be constantly replenished in order to ensure that blood is available for every patient, when they need it. A critical part of this effort is ensuring that all members of our community are doing their part. The Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross has launched a recruitment effort aimed at African American blood donors. While the patient population generally reflects the general population in terms of ethnicity, the donor population is currently underrepresented by African Americans. We aim to change that.

The state of Maryland is comprised of approximately 26 percent African Americans, but the blood donor population is comprised of only about 8 percent African Americans. Why is it important for African Americans to donate more frequently? There are a number of reasons:

• Sickle Cell Anemia affects more than 70,000 people in the United States. The vast majority of these are of African descent.

• One in every 12 African Americans carries the trait for sickle cell disease.

• Bone Marrow transplants require the matching of certain tissue traits of the donor and patient. Because these traits are inherited, the patient is more likely to match with someone of the same heritage.

• There are routine shortages of O and B blood types. African Americans have more type O and B blood than other populations.

• African Americans populate 26.4 percent of Maryland , but only 8 percent of the blood donations in the state.

• Regular African American blood transfusion patients rely on blood donors of African American descent, from which they are less likely to develop antibodies which weaken their immune system.

For more information about donating blood call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or to schedule a life-saving appointment, click here. For information about scheduling a blood drive, contact us by filling out this form, and we will contact you as soon as possible.