Blood Donors who are Black play a critical role in helping people with sickle cell disease. This is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S. Patients with this disease rely on regular blood transfusions throughout their lives to help prevent sickle cell complications, such as organ and tissue damage, severe pain, and strokes. It is essential that the blood received be the most compatible as possible which generally comes from a person of the same race or similar ethnicity. The reality is, there aren’t enough blood donors. African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, but less than 3% are blood donors. By donating blood, you will make a difference in the lives of others.