|
Why Should I Give?
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 — Help demonstrate the power of our community.
Having enough of the important blood types is key to ensuring that hospitals and communities are prepared should a personal, natural or manmade disaster strike.
Show the measurable difference we can make.
Statistics show that as much as 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood. If everyone who donated blood gave just one more time a year, we could put an end to cyclical blood shortages.
Increase the representation of African-Americans to be reflective of our power.
Representing 14 percent of the population but only 1 percent of blood donors is just not acceptable. Many patients in hospitals look like us, are related to us, and need our help. Should you ever need blood, you would like to know that it will be there for you in an emergency. Indicate your ethnicity when asked on your donor questionnaire and other required documents.
There is also solid science motivating the need for your blood:
- Some African American patients have rare blood types like U-negative or Duffy-Negative. Because these types are rarely found in other ethnic groups, these patients depend on other African Americans to supply this rare blood.
- African American donors provide the best chance of survival for African American patients with rare blood types. Genetically similar blood is best for those who need repeated or large volumes of blood transfusions for various diseases and conditions like sickle cell anemia, heart disease and kidney disease as well as emergency treatments and surgeries. Blood that closely matches a patient's is less likely to be rejected by the patient and provides fewer risks for complications.
- Increasing minority donations is vital because blood types O and B, the blood types of about 70% of African Americans — are the blood types most in demand. Those types are also the first to run out during a blood shortage.
Related Content:
|
