Blood donation and black communities

Did you know?

The treatment of certain hereditary blood disorders requires that the donor and recipient share a similar genetic makeup.

This is the case, for example, with any disease requiring recurrent transfusions, such as sickle-cell anemia .

Sickle-cell anemia

Ludovic has sickle-cell anemia. He requires a transfusion every month.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN COMPATIBILITY IS NOT OPTIMAL?

If red blood cell compatibility is less than optimal, the recipient may develop antibodies against the transfused blood and reject it.

In Québec

• The probability that someone will receive at least one transfusion in their lifetime is 60%.
• 12% of blood donors are of non-Caucasian origin.

Quebecers of all ethnic backgrounds can help correct this imbalance by:

• telling people about the importance of giving blood;
• giving blood regularly;
• organizing blood drives in their community.