Diversity

Medically reviewed on October 1, 2022.

Blood Donor Diversity

What is donor diversity?

Donor diversity recognizes blood donors that represent a broad spectrum of age, gender, race and ethnic backgrounds, and blood types. Carter BloodCare acknowledges the importance of diversity among our blood donors and is committed to increasing awareness about the impact diversity makes in supporting transfusion needs of patients in local hospitals.

Why is donor diversity important?

Donor diversity in race and ethnic backgrounds is important because patients whose lives depend on transfusion also have equally diverse inheritance. Since blood type is inherited from our parents, the optimal blood match for a patient receiving frequent transfusions comes from a donor whose heritage is similar. The community blood supply should mirror the people who are potential patients. A hospital with diverse patients requires a diverse blood supply to transfuse them.

The lifesaving effects of donating blood

Kelly Bernard, R.N.
“It’s important for myself and sickle cell patients to get blood transfusions so, as my cells are deforming and dying, I am replenished with fresh whole blood.”

Elba Garcia, D.D.S.
“Community means anyone that lives and makes a difference within the society, and we all want to make a difference.”

Nicole White
“Without people donating blood, my daughter probably wouldn’t be alive.”

You can help. Here’s how.

Increasing the diversity of blood donors is crucial in providing adequate and timely care for patients in the community. The need for blood will always be there. No matter what your background, you can help us take care of your community by donating blood. Your blood may be the best match for a patient in need.

People in good health that weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood starting at age 16 with parental consent; those 17 years and older may give blood independently. There is no upper age limit. Prospective donors can check their eligibility online.

Find a Carter BloodCare donor center or mobile drive near you, or call or text 800-366-2834 to make an appointment to donate blood.

At the time of your donation, it is important to provide information about your ethnicity. There are more than 600 different proteins that are found on the surface of our blood cells, and certain blood types are unique to specific ethnic groups. Indicating your ethnicity will help Carter BloodCare perform tests to determine if you have unique or uncommon blood types that could be the best match your blood to a patient in need.

Invite friends, family members and others to join you in donating blood. You can also host a blood drive to get the community involved.

Ask Carter BloodCare

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