Of the population of Black people living in Canada, a disproportionately small percentage choose to give blood, making up just 1% of blood donors.
It’s a discrepancy that can have serious implications for medical patients, highlighting the importance of diversity among blood donors.
In an effort to encourage more Black people to give blood, the University of Ottawa Black Medical Students Association (BMSA) hosted a blood drive last month to not only increase diversity in blood donations, but to educate the public on its importance.
Lack of a diverse blood supply can lead to poor patient outcomes, says BMSA co-president Kwadjo Nyarko, who explains that matching blood types and genetic profiles can greatly improve treatments.
“Diversity in blood donations is critical,” explains Kwadjo, who says blood can contain over 300 known antigens which are genetically determined and differ between ethnic groups.
“These antigens play a vital role in compatibility, especially for patients who require frequent transfusions, such as those with thalassemia, certain cancers, or sickle cell anemia (SCA), a genetic blood condition that predominantly affects individuals of African descent,” he says.
“Diversity in blood donations is critical.”
Kwadjo Nyarko
— BMSA co-president and first-time blood donor
The impact of low blood supply from diverse populations includes delayed or denied treatments, as well as higher risk of transfusion reactions. When a patient receives blood that doesn’t match their antigen profile, their immune system may attack the transfused blood, leading to severe complications.
If the right blood type isn’t available, patients may have to wait for compatible blood, leading to increased health risks or death. Trauma victims and surgery patients are also impacted if there is shortage of closely matched blood.
Direct genetic inheritance is a contributing factor to ethnic variation within blood, specifically the ABO and RhD antigen genes.
“Random genetic mutations can introduce variation in blood types over time,” explains Kwadjo. “Additionally, some blood types offer resistance to different diseases—for example, individuals with blood type O are less susceptible to malaria.
“The combination of all these factors determines blood type, and individuals within certain racial and ethnic backgrounds often share similarities in some blood characteristics,” he continues. “These similarities are important in blood transfusions.”
As part of Black History Month, the group aimed to make an impact in diversifying blood donations by hosting their first blood drive. The event was supported by an awareness campaign including social media and outreach.
The drive was spearheaded by Kwadjo and BMSA co-President Sarah Lapolice as well as Vice-President Emmanuel Fagbola, all of whom developed the vision, organized the event, and coordinated team efforts to bring it to life. Outreach Director Meron Demissie and Communications Director Lillian Abebe worked closely with Canadian Blood Servicesnorth_eastexternal link and managed outreach efforts.
The group’s social media campaign was instrumental in engaging the community and encouraging donors to sign up, including sharing important facts about the under-representation of Canadian Black individuals when it comes to blood donations.
"We wanted to raise awareness about the importance of diverse blood donations while fostering a culture of long-term giving within the Black community,” says Sarah. “We hope this event becomes an annual tradition, growing in impact and participation each year."
The group prepared gift bags to show appreciation for participants, ensuring a positive donor experience. All told, the drive welcomed 16 potential donors—mostly uOttawa MD students but also other friends, family members and community members—with 10 ultimately giving blood.
“By increasing participation in blood donation within the insufficiently represented Black community, we can do our part in helping more Canadians receive the life-saving care that they deserve,” said the group as part of their Instagram awareness campaignnorth_eastexternal link.
“We can do our part in helping more Canadians receive the life-saving care that they deserve.”
Instagram post, BMSA
— (VP Emmanuel Fagbola pictured here)
As a final segment of BMSA’s Blood Drive '25 initiative, the group will soon share an exclusive interview with Dr. Ewurabena Simpson, assistant professor in the Faculty’s Department of Pediatrics and a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at CHEO. Dr. Simpson gave a physician's perspective on the importance of diversity in blood donations, the implications of the issue with respect to the Black community, and how to move forward.
For those interested in the cause, the BMSA has tips to get involved:
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The group plans to host another blood drive during Black History Month in February 2026.
Main photo: (L-r) Amani Kane, Meron Demissie, Moubarak Waiss and Kate Dervin raising awareness of the importance of diversity among blood donors.
