"It follows feedback from black heritage groups who said they were more likely to become regular blood donors if they could donate with faith, community or friendship groups. Mark Chambers, from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said: "The initiative is about creating a shared experience that makes donating more welcoming, inspiring, and impactful - especially for first-time donors - in a setting that feels more like community than clinic.""
"Sarah-Jane Nkrumah from Sickle Cell Unite, a London group that has used the new system, said: "We believe group bookings are incredibly important because they bring the community together. People are often more comfortable donating blood when they attend with friends or as part of a group; that sense of shared purpose really matters. It becomes more than just an opportunity to save lives; it's a chance to do something meaningful together.""
NHSBT's Brixton Blood Donor Centre now enables group bookings so people can donate together, targeting increased black blood donor recruitment. The change responds to feedback from black heritage groups indicating higher likelihood to become regular donors when donating with faith, community, or friendship groups. The initiative aims to create a shared, community-style donation experience that is more welcoming and inspiring, especially for first-time donors. Sickle Cell Unite reports group bookings bring communities together and increase donor comfort through shared purpose. Sickle cell is the UK's most common genetic condition; many patients require frequent transfusions and need blood from donors of African, Caribbean, or mixed heritage with the Ro subtype.
Read at www.bbc.com
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