Frequently Asked Questions
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is encouraging more African-Americans to Commit for Life and donate blood at least once a quarter.
Q: How involved is the African-American community in giving blood?
Many African-Americans have become blood donors and donate regularly. However, there are far more African-American patients needing blood than there are African-Americans donating blood. Less than 5 percent of the community donates blood, and of that , less than 8 percent are African-American. More African-American donors are needed to help ensure that enough blood is available when needed, especially for patients with sickle cell disease.
Q: Why are donations by African-Americans important?
Every blood donation is important, as each donation can help save up to three lives. Individuals with illnesses like Sickle Cell Anemia depend on regular transfusion therapy to continue living active, healthy lives. Because African-American blood donors may provide the best match for individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia, those donors are encouraged to Commit for Life and donate on an ongoing basis to meet patient needs.
Q: Why is it important for sickle cell patients to receive matched blood?
Sickle cell patients should receive transfusions that are optimally matched to their own blood, or else they are at an increased risk for further complications. In the United States, one in 12 African-Americans has the sickle cell trait, and one in 400 African-American newborns has sickle cell disease. Patients with the disease may need 15 to 25 blood transfusions each year.
Q: Can I donate blood if I have the sickle cell trait?
Persons with the sickle cell trait should not donate red cells, but are welcome to give platelets or plasma.
Q: What are the basic requirements to donate blood?
You have to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Individuals who are 16 years old, weigh at least 122 pounds, are in good health and have their parent's consent also may donate..