For individuals living with sickle cell disease, regular blood transfusions are essential for survival. However, for people of color, particularly those from African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian backgrounds, finding compatible blood matches is often a significant challenge. The diversity of blood donors can play a critical role in ensuring proper care and potentially preventing medical crises.
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that affects red blood cells, causing them to become rigid, sticky, and shaped like the letter "C." This defect inhibits their ability to traverse the bloodstream, leading to severe pain, decreased blood flow, and possible organ damage, according to Health Canada. Many patients experience sudden bouts of pain that are not outwardly visible, making the condition largely misunderstood by those who do not suffer from it.
Gabriel Badejo, a patient with sickle cell disease, noted the isolating nature of the illness. "It's a very isolating experience, especially dealing with such a unique disease where it causes immense pain," Badejo stated. "And it’s invisible. You can’t see what I’m going through. I might look perfectly fine to you, but inside, internally, it’s like havoc.” To manage the pain and mitigate serious complications, individuals like Badejo rely heavily on consistent blood transfusions. However, repeated transfusions can complicate the process of matching compatible blood.
“The blood donations are life-saving, literally. And the thing is, when you have a genetic illness like sickle cell, it’s harder for them to match your blood with all the blood that’s out there,” Badejo added. This urgency brought numerous community members to a blood donor center in downtown Toronto, where they gathered not only to donate blood but also to learn about the importance of donor diversity in the context of patient care.
Ruth Alemayehu, one of the donors at the event, expressed the need for increased participation from the Black community. "I think it’s important for us as Black people to come out and donate blood as much as we can. There’s not enough of us, and I wanted to start today," she remarked.
In Canada, sickle cell disease predominantly affects individuals from African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian backgrounds. The Canadian Blood Services reports that when patients cannot find compatible blood, they face increased risks of transfusion reactions, delayed treatments, and long-term health complications tied to immune responses. Eloise Tan, the Vice President of Inclusion and Sustainability at Canadian Blood Services, shared troubling statistics: "If we look at Canada, about 4.3 percent, based on the latest numbers, comes from African, Caribbean, and Black populations. But only around one percent of our donation base comes from African, Caribbean, and Black communities. So we’re on a mission to increase that one percent.”
The Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario, established in 2005, is actively working to bridge this gap through education, outreach, and community partnerships. Chloe Jang, communication coordinator for the organization, emphasized their efforts, stating, “One of our biggest focuses this year is collaborating more with Canadian Blood Services but also going into communities to talk about what blood donation means, what it means for sickle cell disease, and how people can make an impact.” Jang also mentioned that they aim to dispel common myths surrounding the blood donation process and its implications for patients.
Common barriers to blood donation within these communities include fears surrounding pain, mistrust regarding the use of blood, and uncertainty about eligibility. Canadian Blood Services dispels these concerns, noting that blood donation is a regulated, voluntary process that is meticulously tracked from donor to patient. Badejo added, “I get the stigmas and the hesitation... It’s not just about the act of donating blood. It’s about the act of supporting your community.”
Organizers stress that fostering diversity among blood donors requires ongoing community engagement rather than isolated events. Plans for additional community-led blood donation drives are underway, particularly through initiatives during Black History Month and extending beyond.
