In this country, over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease – the great majority of whom are African American or of African descent. These patients may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to donate blood out of fear or due to a lack of information.
To combat this, we spoke with Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical officer at the American Red Cross, to discuss the most pressing things people should know before they donate blood.
1. A large percentage of Blacks have type O blood
One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease.
“Type O blood is the most common blood type in this country. The majority of people in this country have group O blood. African Americans are the second largest population of individuals with group O blood,” Dr. Miller says. “We encourage and we need Black people to donate just to ensure that we have enough group O blood on the shelves to meet the transfusion needs of the general population. We need group O blood, particularly when there’s an emergency and [first responders] don’t know the specific blood type of a recipient.”
Group O blood also comes in handy in medical emergencies, such as when a mother is hemorrhaging or when there’s a mass casualty such as a shooting.
“We need to have blood on the shelves for any and every emergency,” Dr. Miller adds.
2. You don’t need to know your blood type to donate
“You don’t need to know your blood type in order to donate blood,” Dr. Miller shares.
However, if you are curious about your blood type, you will receive a donor card the first time you donate blood with the American Red Cross. The e-card includes what blood group you are in – A, B, O or AB – and if your blood type is positive or negative.
The Red Cross also has a blood donor app, where donors can access their donor card and blood type as well as track their blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels, and even find out when their blood has been distributed for use at a hospital.
3. You can donate if you have the sickle cell trait
It’s estimated that 8-10% of African Americans have the sickle cell trait, according to the American Society of Hematology. However, many are unaware that they carry this trait because they were never tested.
Testing for the sickle cell trait is important because you can pass the trait down to your children. The Red Cross is currently providing sickle cell trait screening on all blood donations from self-identified African American donors. Results are available within one to two weeks of your donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
The good news, however, is that even if you have the sickle cell trait, you are still eligible to donate blood.
4. You can donate if you are on medication
“Donors who are taking blood pressure medications are acceptable as blood donors. There are very few medications that restrict a person from donating blood,” Dr. Miller adds.
If you have concerns about whether or not it is safe to donate under a medication you are taking, you can visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS and a medical officer can help you determine if it is safe for you to donate.
6. There are things you can do to prepare yourself
“We know when a person donates a unit of blood, you lose iron and so to build that iron back up, we definitely recommend that our regular donors consult with their healthcare provider about taking a multivitamin,” Dr. Miller suggests.
She also encourages people to eat a healthy diet that is rich in iron, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest prior to their appointment.
“Drink plenty of water because that helps replenish some of the fluid that you will lose when you donate a unit of blood,” she shares.
To ensure you are feeling well after donating, you will be asked to spend 10 to 15 minutes in the refreshment and recovery area before you leave.
You will also be asked to drink an extra four glasses (eight ounces each) of non-alcoholic liquids, keep your bandage on for the next five hours, and refrain from heavy exercising or lifting for the day.
If you’ve never donated blood before, Dr. Miller advises calling 1-800-RED CROSS or simply coming in to see if you are eligible because many people assume they aren’t eligible when they are. For more information on donating blood or to schedule an appointment to give, visit Joined by Blood or call 1-800-RED CROSS.