Each September we recognize Sickle Cell Awareness Month which emphasizes the importance of having a diverse blood donor community.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder nationally and is widely known to primarily impact the African American community. Right here in Texas, sickle cell disease affects over 6,000 people, causing severe pain, fatigue, and other serious life-threatening complications. This genetic disorder impacts red blood cells, making it harder for them to carry oxygen throughout the body. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for improving quality of life.
Help Ease Patient Pain
One treatment option for SCD patients is receiving regular blood transfusions to allow healthy blood cells to enter the blood stream, unblock blood vessels and deliver oxygen throughout the patient’s body, minimizing crises. Unfortunately, if patients don’t receive a close blood match, they may develop immune response antibodies to blood from donors.
Research has found that 1 in 3 Black/African American donors are a match for a sickle cell patient; whereas only 1 in 40 are a match from other ethnicities. However, only 3% of the eligible population in Central Texas donates, and only a fraction are donors from diverse backgrounds. In fact, nation-wide, only 2% of the Black population donates blood.
Awareness Is Key
Raising awareness of sickle cell disease and growing our donor community increases the chances of finding a match for those needing regular transfusions. Diversifying our blood supply provides Central Texas with the opportunity to provide equitable delivery of healthcare to the vibrant and diverse patient community we serve, ultimately improving health outcomes.
You can help this month by spreading the word about the need for blood donations and the importance of matching donors to local patients, or by making a donation yourself. Schedule an appointment at a donor center or blood drive nearest you.
Learn more about the vital role diverse blood donors can play in saving lives from our blog on minority donor awareness.