PreciseMatch® focuses on the needs of patients in
our communities who require specific blood types for
transfusions.
New York Blood Center needs blood from donors with
diverse ethnic and ancestral backgrounds to serve our
diverse population and help us maintain an inventory of
blood that can be more precisely matched to patients.
For most blood transfusions, patients are matched
with donor blood based on their major blood groups,
such as O, A, B, and AB. However, there are many
subgroups or unique types that can become important
for patients who receive blood regularly to avoid
the body rejecting future blood transfusions.
What is sickle cell disease?
Approximately 100,000 people in America suffer
from a blood disorder called sickle cell disease.
It is an inherited blood disorder and one of the
most severe forms of the disease is sickle
cell anemia. It can cause intense pain, pulmonary
hypertension, organ damage, and can induce a stroke.
There is no known cure for the disease; however, the
most common treatment is blood transfusions.
100,000 people suffer from
sickle cell disease in the U.S.
Why do we need Black blood donors?
People with the same ancestral heritage are more likely
to have the same blood groups. Patients need to be
closely matched with blood from donors with the same
ancestral heritage to reduce the chance of complications.
To meet patient demand, we need
30,000 Black donors to give every year.
Sickle cell disease occurs in
1 in 365 Black births in America.
Children with sickle cell can require up
to 8 units of blood every 3 to 4 weeks.
Donating blood is safe and easy!
Donating blood for the first time can be daunting,
and misconceptions can surround the donation
process. Rest assured, giving blood to save people
in your community is safe to you and easy.
Schedule today
Book an appointment to donate your rare blood type today.
Be sure you check ‘Racial/Ethnic background’ on the health
form. Call 800.933.2566 or visit nybc.org.