While people from all communities and backgrounds do give blood, fewer than 5% of blood donors who give blood are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.

Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments.

BAME donors are specifically needed because:

• patients who receive frequent blood transfusions need blood to be closely matched to their own.
• several blood conditions, like sickle cell and thalassaemia which are treated through blood transfusions, most commonly affect people from BAME communities.
• the best match typically comes from blood donors from the same ethnic background.

Meet Enamul Goni, a sports enthusiast from East London who has been regularly donating blood for almost a decade.

“Alhamdulillah, I am healthy and give blood every 3 months,” Said Enamul.

“I’ve been giving blood for eight years now. They tell you which hospital your blood goes to and what it will be used for. They always give you a health check every time you give blood” Added Enamul.

Why do we need to give blood?

We need new blood donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right blood available for patients who need it.

We need:

• 4,300 blood donations every day on average to meet the needs.
• Over 140,000 new donors this year.
• 12,000 new Black heritage donors, to meet the growing demand for ethnically matched blood for sickle cell patients who need regular transfusions to stay alive.
• More young people aged 17-35 to donate, to ensure we have enough blood for the future.

Spiritual and psychological benefits of donating blood

Donating blood can have several spiritual and psychological benefits that resonate deeply with many individuals, transcending the physical act itself. These benefits often align with the values and teachings of various spiritual traditions. Here are some of the spiritual benefits associated with donating blood:

• Acts of Altruism: Donating blood helps save lives without expecting anything in return.
• Connectedness: The act of giving blood can foster a sense of connectedness and unity with the broader human family.
• Spiritual Growth and Reflection: The act of donating blood encourages donors to contemplate their own mortality, the fragility of life, and the importance of compassion.
• Fulfillment and Purpose: Engaging in acts of kindness and helping others can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.
• Gratitude: The process of donating blood can inspire gratitude, both in the donor and recipient. Donors may feel grateful for their health and the opportunity to help others, while recipients and their families are often profoundly grateful for the gift of life.
• Detachment: The act of giving blood can be an exercise in detachment, letting go of the physical and material needs and focusing on the spiritual and emotional acts of generosity.

More information on giving blood can be found at: www.blood.co.uk

#GiveBlood #Donate #Blood #BAME