51Âþ»­

Do you want to find out what is your blood type? And how you can donate blood? If so, head over to the Campus Centre atrium on Wednesday 21 February between 10.30am-2.30pm where colleagues from the NHS will be there to test your blood type and take a blood donation.

This event has been organised by the Race Equality Network and they are working with NHS Blood and Transplant to raise awareness for the ongoing need for donors and in particular donors from Black, Asian and ethnically minoritised backgrounds.

These are specifically needed right now because:

• some patients who receive frequent blood transfusions need blood to be closely matched to their own
• a number of blood conditions, like sickle cell disease which is treated through blood transfusions, most commonly affect Black, Asian and ethnically minoritised people
• the best match typically comes from blood donors from the same ethnic background.

Archie Khuman, Associate Head Education - Computer Science and Informatics, and Race Equality Network co-chair, said: "It is vitally important that if you can donate blood then please do, and there is a particular shortage from people from a Black, Asian and ethnically minoritised background. Please help us to address the health inequalities that many members of these communities may face. Donating blood saves lives."

Sign up and book your slot

You can sign up and book to come along .

How to become a blood donor

You can find out more about becoming a blood donor .

Join the Race Equality Network

If you would like to join the Race Equality Network, please email equality@dmu.ac.uk or complete the .