Why should a diverse donor pool matter to you?

The best blood match for patients often comes from donors of similar race or ethnicity. It is extremely important to increase the number of blood donors from all racial and ethnic groups. Red Cross and Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. supporters, such as you, can help connect our organizations with donors that best meet the needs of patients of all backgrounds.

There Are Many Blood Types

• While the most common blood groups are based on the presence or absence of two antigens in the blood, called ‘A’ and ‘B’, there are in fact more than 600 known antigens that create a wide spectrum of rare blood types.

• Blood types are hereditary. Certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. For example, U-negative and Jsb negative blood types are found more often in people of African descent. So sickle cell patients that require these blood types must rely on donors with matching blood types from people of African descent.

• An African-American blood donation may be the best hope for the needs of patients with sickle cell disease, as over 90% of sickle cell patients are of African descent and will require multiple transfusions over their lifetime. Blood from people of the same race and ethnicity can mean fewer health complications after a blood transfusion.

How You Can Help

• Recruit organizations that have diverse employees/members to host blood drives and support blood donation.

• Set up a virtual blood drive on RedCrossBlood.org/SleevesUp and encourage others to donate.

• Utilize MatchUp, a challenge platform on SleevesUp (at RedCrossBlood.org/SleevesUp), to initiate a friendly blood competition.

• Educate and engage your network about the importance of diverse donor pools.

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA BLOOD RECIPIENT | Aaron’s Story

Aaron was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when he was 2 years old and endures the pain associated with this debilitating disease on a daily basis. A key component in his pain management is receiving multiple units of blood every three weeks. He is able to live a relatively normal life through the generosity of strangers who voluntarily donate blood.

Learn more at: RedCrossBlood.org/SickleCell