We need people from all communities to give blood to make sure there’s the right blood available for everyone to meet the needs of all patients. Most people can give blood if they are fit and healthy.

​

We are highlighting the need for African and Caribbean donors, because of a rise in demand for some rare blood types that are more common in people of Black heritage, and the increase of  sickle cell in the UK.

​

Rare subtypes, such as Ro are more common among people of Black heritage.

Demand for these subtypes are growing as more people have regular transfusions to treat blood disorders such as sickle cell.

​

Ro blood

This is considered to be special blood. Click on the link for more information about Ro blood.

https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/the-donor-magazine-summer-2017/a-very-special-blood-type/

​

Who can donate blood?

Here are a few reasons why you can donate, and why you can not donate blood

​

You can donate

• if you are generally fit and well

• aged between 17 and 65

• weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg)

• have suitable veins (your veins will be checked before you donate)

• it is 6 months after you have given birth

• medications will not generally disqualify you from being a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted.

 

You cannot give blood

• if you are pregnant

• had a tattoo or piercing within 3 months of your donation day

• high-risk behaviour, such as intravenous drug use

• certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases,

• if you have had a blood transfusion

• if you have been the dentist within 7 days of your donation day

• travelling outside of the UK, can affect when you are able to donate blood after you return.

You will need to meet the donor eligibility criteria on the day. This will be checked when you arrive at the donation base.

​

Unable to give blood?

There are other ways you can help. You can consider volunteering to help, or by making a monetary donation to help to spread awareness.

​

 

The process to register as a blood donor

​

Click on the following link: giveblood.sicklecellsuffolk.org/register

​

Press START NOW to begin the process

1. Enter your email address

2. The question is asked, Do you have a donor ID number? If this is your first time registering, state no.

3. Click the link to to confirm your email address, add your address and verify your email

4. Enter a password and confirm it

5. Press continue

6. Account details will be confirmed

7. Enter the personal details requested

8. Tick the statement of consent

Thank you for signing up will appear.

​

You can either log into your account or the email sent to book an appointment.

Enter your town and available dates will appear for you to select.

​

​

Thalassaemia

Like sickle cell,  thalassaemia is an inherited, red cell disorder where the body produces either none or insufficient haemoglobin than normal.

Visit the website below to learn more about thalassaemia.

UKTS.org