Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped to change the world over four decades ago. Now, with the simple, selfless act of blood donation, you too can help change the world of someone in need of blood during the tough winter season.
It is important that the blood supply remains as diverse as possible, and it is critical that African-American donors are engaged in the mission of the American Red Cross. Genetically-similar blood is less likely to be rejected or cause complications or illness for people who need repeated blood transfusions for conditions like cancer, leukemia, kidney disease and sickle cell anemia. One in 12 African-Americans carries the trait for sickle cell disease. One in 600 African-Americans has sickle cell anemia. Many sickle cell disease patients need blood transfusions every few weeks to help treat the effects of the disease by reducing recurrent pain crises, risk of stroke and other complications.
African-American communities also have a higher percentage of donors with type O or type B blood, commonly the first blood types to drop to critically low levels during a shortage. Some African-Americans also have rare blood types that are unique to the African-American community. Your blood type may be someone’s only hope for survival. While African-Americans comprise nearly 13 percent of the United States population, they represent less than one percent of blood donors.
You cannot catch infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, from donating blood. The needle is sterile, and the supplies are used only once and then discarded. If under control, neither high blood pressure nor diabetes prevents you from donating blood. The Red Cross will check your blood pressure to make sure it is at a safe level for you to donate.
Because blood can be separated into three components – blood, platelets and plasma – one donation can benefit up to three individuals. It takes up to three days for blood to be processed and made available to hospitals; therefore, it is important that a donation be made ahead of an emergency.
If you plan on giving blood, make sure to prepare yourself for the process. Double your fluid intake in the 48 hours leading up to the drive. Make sure to eat a nutritious meal the night before, as well as the day of, the blood drive. Eat iron-rich foods, such as lean beef, broccoli, eggs, greens, shrimp or dried beans in the days leading up to the blood drive. Also consume foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, cabbage, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the drive. Also, please remember to bring a photo ID with you.
Blood donation appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or to receive more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.