Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Though blood donor compatibility is not entirely based on race, individuals who need regular blood transfusions due to ailments such as sickle cell disease, cancer or lupus tend to have fewer complications when receiving genetically similar blood. Despite the need for Black donors, only 3.37 percent of the blood donated to the Indiana Blood Center comes from donors of African decent.
The Indiana Blood Center is looking to increase the ethnic diversity of its donor base by recruiting minority donors. Dr. Dan Waxman, chief medical officer at the Indiana Blood Center, says certain blood types are more likely to be held by people of particular ethnic backgrounds.
“There are times where we need a specific type that we may only find in the African-American community, and if we don’t find it in our base we have to make an appeal nationwide and bring in blood from another state. Sometimes a person’s blood is even frozen because it’s so rare,” said Waxman.
Blood donors with Type O-negative blood are urged to give because it can be transferred to any patient, regardless of blood type. Waxman feels the main reason people choose not to donate is that nobody asks them to.
“The first time I donated was when I was in college. No one had ever asked me to before then. The main reason people don’t donate is that no one asks, and it’s not convenient,” said Waxman. “Back in the day when we would do big drives with businesses, we would literally go to an automotive assembly plant, and they would shut down the line and everyone would line up and donate on the clock. Today, the first time people donate may be at a congregation or workplace, but it comes down to someone coming up to you and asking.”
Due to age or health history, many people don’t realize that they are eligible to donate blood. At the age of 16, individuals who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood with parental permission. No parental consent is required for individuals 17 years old and older, and a doctor’s written approval is required for donors 76 and older.
“You have to be in good health, but I take two blood pressure medications and I donate just fine. People who have a history of cancer and are symptom-free for over a year can donate. There are a variety of conditions that, if it’s well controlled, you can be a donor,” said Waxman.
“If you have never been a blood donor, please talk to us and see about donating. If there is a car crash, a person in surgery, a person with cancer, they will need it, and we want it to be there for them.”
For more information on the Indiana Blood Center, visit indianablood.org.
Donate now
During Trauma Awareness Month in May, the American Red Cross urges the community to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients with traumatic injuries and other serious medical needs by donating blood or platelets. Those who come to donate blood or platelets by May 14 will have a chance to win one of three $1,000 gift card shopping sprees from GiftCertificates.com. Donation appointments can be scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling (800) RED-CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Marion County
May 8, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1510 N. Meridian St.
May 11, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Cummins Sales & Service, 2601 Fortune Circle, Suite 300C
May 17, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Renaissance, 225 S. East St., Suite 360
May 18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., American Village Retirement Community, 2026 E. 54th St.
May 26, 1–5 p.m., Lowe’s, 8002 N. Shadeland Ave.
Hamilton County
May 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Carmel Ward, 11257 Temple Drive, Carmel
May 30, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., IU Health Saxony Hospital, 13000 E. 136th St., Fishers
