Red Cross seeks minority donors

Many minority groups have rare blood types distinctive to their community.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Today is National Minority Donor Awareness Day, and the American Red Cross wants to remind everyone, particularly minority members, to give blood.

Minority donors have a critical role in maintaining the local blood supply. Many black Americans as well as Hispanics and Latinos have type O blood, the universal blood type that can be given to any patient in an emergency, according to an ARC press release.

Minority blood donors also have a significant role in helping patients with special transfusion needs. Black Americans have a high incidence of sickle cell anemia, cancer, heart disease and the need for organ transplant. These types of illnesses often require blood transfusions for treatment or survival.

Many ethnic minority groups have rare blood types that are distinctive to their community. For certain patients, especially those needing frequent transfusions, it is important that the blood be as close a match to their own as possible, according to the press release.

The local Red Cross began today with seven of the eight blood types below minimum inventory standards.

Types O negative, O positive and A negative remain at critical low levels, below a half-day’s supply. Eligible blood donors are asked to call (800) GIVE-LIFE or visit RedCrossDonor.org to find a blood drive.

Blood donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and provide a Red Cross donor card or a valid state-photo ID upon donation.