BDO: Why is it important for African Americans to start donating blood?
Ashley Singleton: The reason why it’s important now that African Americans donate blood is that people of the same ethnic groups are more likely to have matched blood.
So, similar to say you have an organ donation, so you have an organ and it does really match your body will reject it. Same thing for blood. If the blood isn’t matched on more than just your blood type, in different layers, different levels then it could possibly be rejected. Or it can cause terrible issues with the function of your lungs, function of your heart, or other various serious issues.
Screen: How often should a person consider donating blood?
First let me say, it’s best to check with each local blood center.
Every blood center has different requirements for if you can donate blood. If you’ve had a tattoo or traveled out of the country, the requirements may be different.
Every blood center has something slightly different, so it’s always best to check your local blood center.
But a person can donate blood up to every 60 days with their blood center. But again just double just with your blood center to make sure that your eligibility to participate.
A lot of times people will think they cannot donate blood because they have diabetes. Or maybe they have high blood pressure which is a common illness in the African American community.