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dk / don't trust where the destination of their blood is

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dk / don't trust where the destination of their blood is

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How do we regain their trust in NHS?

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Angela Scott has heard many reasons why she shouldn't donate blood.

Friends and family wonder what might really be done with it. They worry that someone might inject her with something.

You can't always trust the medical establishment, she is told.

Still, Scott, who is black, donates blood whenever she can, knowing how important it is for those receiving it. Patients with sickle cell disease, in particular, develop fewer reactions when given blood from donors of similar racial backgrounds.

But her friends' and family's anxiety isn't unfounded. America has a long, ugly history of experimenting on African-American patients without their consent and treating them unethically. Notorious cases like the Tuskegee syphilis study, in which black men with the disease went untreated for years, have fueled a deep mistrust of the medical establishment that persists today among some African-Americans.

The fear has "been passed down from generation to generation," said Scott, 47, of Calumet City.

That wariness may be one reason why African-Americans are underrepresented among blood donors, along with a lack of access to blood drives. In Cook County, less than 7 percent of all American Red Cross blood donations came from black donors last year, though African-Americans made up 24 percent of the population.

It's a statistic that Dr. A. Kyle Mack, a pediatric hematologist at Lurie Children's Hospital, is working to boost.

Mack worked with the Red Cross and Lurie to start an initiative in Chicago in which black donors can have blue tags attached to their blood donations, so their blood can possibly be given to patients with sickle cell at Lurie. The project mirrors a similar effort in Philadelphia.

He also spreads his message at churches on the South Side and at community group events, encouraging people to visit blood drives.

"There are so many sickle cell patients present in Chicago, given that we have a large African-American community," Mack said. "It's about offering them the same opportunity to get blood transfusions without complications."

Just ask 17-year-old Adrian Walton Jr. He needs blood transfusions every couple of months to treat acute anemia caused by the disease.

In healthy people, red blood cells are round, but in people with sickle cell disease they can be shaped like crescents, or sickles. When the cells become sickle-shaped, they can get stuck in blood vessels causing pain and depriving tissues and organs of oxygen. The cells also break down more easily, which can lead to anemia.

The disease is inherited and affects about 100,000 Americans, most of whom are black, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On a recent day, a nurse ducked into Walton's room at Lurie to ask him how much pain he was feeling, on a scale of one to 10. The Rogers Park teen calmly told her it was at about a six or seven.

He's had to visit the hospital every few weeks this winter because of the pain. He said he usually feels better within a few minutes of getting a transfusion, which can help with the fatigue caused by anemia.

He suspects many people don't know that blood from black donors can help patients like him.

Blood donors of African descent are more likely to have proteins on their red blood cells that are similar to proteins on the red cell membrane of sickle cell patients who are also of African descent. Receiving that blood makes those patients less likely to develop reactions against those donated blood cells.

"It's very important. It's my life," Walton said of getting more African-Americans to donate blood. He spoke from his hospital bed, clad in a hoodie featuring the Rugrats, his favorite 1990s cartoon characters. "For that blood to (not) be there when I need it and for it to not be as effective is upsetting."

Mack said he believes a lack of information about how donating blood works might be part of the reason some people are hesitant to become donors.

"We've learned over time that people really just don't know about how long does it take to give blood, Am I going to catch anything by giving blood? Will it hurt?" Mack said. "These are real concerns many donors have."

Though Mack has always been passionate about helping patients with sickle cell disease - he grew up in Florida creating science fair projects about the topic, raised by a father who led a local chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - he didn't donate blood until he began working at Lurie.

"I think a big part of donating was recognizing there was a need and getting over my own angst about having a needle stuck in my arm," Mack said.

It's also possible there aren't enough blood drives in black communities, Mack said.

Reginald Blythe, 40, noted, as he ate his lunch recently on the Northwestern Memorial Hospital campus, that he's never seen a blood drive in a black community. He also said some black people continue to be wary of donating blood because of how the medical establishment treated them historically.

"The newer generation of black men and women understand it," said Blythe, who works in research at Northwestern University. "The older generation still has that myth, thinking with medical things, there's something not right about it."

An African-American woman nearby said she grew up being told that the medical system doesn't help black people. "You help yourself," she said. "Don't give away something you might need for yourself."

It's a belief born out of a painful history. For 40 years - until it was exposed in 1972 - the U.S. government and Tuskegee Institute conducted a study on hundreds of black men with syphilis. The men were told they were being treated for "bad blood," and in exchange for their participation received free meals, free medical care and burial insurance. They did not, however, receive proper treatment for syphilis even after it became available in the 1940s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Then there's the case of Henrietta Lacks - a black woman who died of cancer after being treated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951. After her death, her cells were used for medical research across the world, but without her family's permission or knowledge. A recent book and movie portrayed her family's struggle.

And in the past, some doctors promoted the false idea that black people were biologically inferior to white people. When the Red Cross first began its national blood program during World War II, the organization and military officials initially turned away African-American donors, and then when they did accept them, didn't give their blood to white soldiers, according to a 2010 paper published in the Journal of American History by Thomas Guglielmo, an associate professor of American studies at The George Washington University.

As a result, many African-Americans don't trust the medical system, said Dr. Elizabeth Jacobs, who has studied the issue. Distrust of the medical system is greater among African-Americans than any other group, she said.

African-Americans' experiences with medicine and society have "taught them to be very circumspect, appropriately so, of what's going to happen to them and people's true motives," said Jacobs, who used to work at Stroger Hospital and is now chief of primary care and value based health at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. "They have an expectation they're going to be experimented on in routine medical care."

Mack hopes that, as an African-American doctor, he can help inspire trust in black patients and donors. Mack tries to talk with local groups whenever possible about the importance of donating blood. Over the years, he's delivered his message to organizations including churches, 100 Black Men of Central Illinois, the Chicago Police Department and the Francis W. Parker School.

Also, as part of the blue tag program, the Red Cross distributes brochures about blood donation at sites months ahead of a blood drive to build interest, said Dr. David Mair, chief medical officer of the west division of American Red Cross Blood Services.

"The bottom line is when people think there's a need and you know the blood you're donating is going to a patient in need, that's low-lying fruit in terms of getting people excited to give," Mack said.

He and others are trying to make blood donation a habit among African-Americans in Chicago. The Apostolic Faith Church in Bronzeville holds blood drives every couple of months, said Dr. Horace Smith, who is Mack's colleague in pediatric hematology at Lurie and the church's pastor.

"There is some general distrust in institutions," Smith said. "We're still trying to break down those barriers."

Through the program, donors can also find out, if they don't already know, if they have sickle cell trait. That's when a person inherits one copy of the gene, meaning they don't generally have the disease but might pass the disease on to children if they have kids with another person with the trait. People with the trait can't donate blood to sickle cell patients, though they can donate to others.

Antonia Warren, for one, didn't know about the need for blood from black donors before she became a social worker at Lurie, working with sickle cell patients and their families. She started giving blood after taking the job.

At a blood drive at Lurie this month, Warren sat in a chair waiting her turn, in a room overlooking Lake Michigan, filled with cots and medical equipment.

"That's not something that's talked about in our community," said Warren, 31, of donating blood. "I didn't know there was a need for someone specifically like me."

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Many African-Americans don't trust hospitals and won't give blood. One Chicago doctor is out to change that.

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Angela Scott has heard many reasons why she shouldn't donate blood. Friends and family wonder what might really be done with it. They worry that someone might inject her with something. You can't always trust the medical establishment, she is told.

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Critical call for Black people to donate blood as 16,000 new donors urgently needed

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The siblings, from Gorton, in Manchester, came together for Zenith's first blood donation in a symbolic reversal of their usual roles. Zenith, usually at Charming's side to support him through his regular exchange transfusions, last week swapped from the side to sitting in the chair and overcame her fear of needles to give blood, with Charming watching on in support.

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Emphasising on the uniqueness (unique antigens) of black blood donors

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The need for Black donors

The increased demand for some rare subtypes, such as Ro, that are more common in people of Black heritage means we need more black people to become blood donors.

Demand for these subtypes is growing as more people have regular transfusions to treat blood disorders such as sickle cell.

Subtypes are important when someone has regular transfusions as they need blood that matches their own as closely as possible.

We need people from all communities to give blood to make sure there's the right blood available for everyone.

Most people can give blood if they're fit and healthy. Check if you can donate.

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The increased demand for some rare subtypes, such as Ro, that are more common in people of Black heritage means we need more black people to become blood donors. Demand for these subtypes is growing as more people have regular transfusions to treat blood disorders such as sickle cell.

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NHS teams up with Marvel Studios' Black Panther Wakanda Forever

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NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is teaming up with Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in a huge boost to its new campaign to recruit more Black heritage blood donor,which has already led to record numbers of registrations from people of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage.

The high-profile partnership is the next stage in the NHS 'Not Family, But Blood' campaign to recruit more Black blood donors, urgently needed to meet increasing demand to treat conditions such as sickle cell.

Watch our campaign video

The campaign generated an incredible public response when it launched in October with a record 884 people of Black heritage signing up to donate in the first day. During the first week there were 1,866 registrations from people of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage - a 700 percent uplift on the previous week.

About the campaign

This is NHSBT's third blood donation film partnership with Disney and its second with Marvel Studios following collaborations with Free Guy in 2021 and Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness earlier this year.

It is hoped the collaboration with Marvel Studios will boost the campaign by reaching more people of Black heritage, particularly younger film fans who may not have considered blood donation. People aged 16-24 are especially needed as they are the donors of the future. The average age of Black heritage donors registering in the first week of the campaign was 31.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the highly anticipated sequel to 2018's critically acclaimed and global cultural phenomenon, Black Panther, one of the most beloved films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The new movie, launching in cinemas November 11, sees the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, fighting to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T'Challa's death.

The 'Not Family But Blood' NHS campaign highlights that although the Black community is diverse, one unifying thing is the power to provide life changing blood donations. This thought is amplified in the people of Wakanda - different tribes, but together they are stronger, supporting and protecting their community.

Co-branded Black Panther: Wakanda Forever digital content will be shared across NHSBT, Disney and Marvel Studios social channels with a call to action for people to register as a blood donor.

An exclusive pre-movie screening will be held at Hackney Picturehouse in London for specially invited NHSBT supporters including patients, donors and partners alongside representatives from Black local businesses.

Zeeshan Asghar, Head of Commercial Partnerships for NHSBT, said: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as we move to the next stage of our 'Not Family, But Blood' campaign to urgently recruit more Black heritage donors.

"We hope this exciting collaboration will help us reach a new Black audience with the message that they have the power to provide life-changing blood donations for sickle cell patients."

Owen Dommel, Director, Marketing Partnerships UK & EMEA at The Walt Disney Studios, said "As storytellers we have a responsibility to reflect our audiences. As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion we are working to ensure people feel championed in our content.

"Community and kinship sit at the core of Wakanda's tribes. Our hope is that through this collaboration these values are translated into action to ensure the NHS receives the blood donations that patients so urgently need."

The need for Black heritage donors

Ethnically matched blood provides the best treatment for sickle cell and more Black heritage donors are urgently needed to meet increasing demand. Hospitals in England now need 250 donations every day to treat sickle cell compared with 150 five years ago.

Dr Farrukh Shah, Medical Director of Transfusion for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The critical shortage of blood donations from people of a Black heritage means many sickle cell patients often receive less well-matched blood.

"While this is clinically suitable, it can pose a longer-term risk to patients who receive regular transfusions. We urgently need more Black heritage donors to come forward. Giving blood is quick, easy and safe."

Minister for Health Will Quince said: "Record numbers of people of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage have already signed up to give blood thanks to NHS Blood and Transplant's 'Not Family, But Blood' campaign.

"We urgently need more blood donors from Black communities to help tackleconditions such assickle cell disease and I'm proud to support this new partnership with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, to reach new audiences and save and improve more lives."

NHSBT recently triggered an "amber alert" requiring hospitals to take action to protect blood stocks while measures are put in place to scale up collection capacity, to build stocks back to a more sustainable footing.

Since amber alert measures were put in place, blood stocks have improved and appointments to donate blood in November are now almost full. Donors are now being urged to book appointments leading up to Christmas and into 2023 to stabilise and grow stocks further.

Become a blood donor today. Register and book an appointment online, by downloading the NHS Give Blood app or by calling 0300 123 23 23.

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NHS teams up with Marvel Studios' Black Panther Wakanda Forever

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NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is teaming up with Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in a huge boost to its new campaign to recruit more Black heritage blood donor,which has already led to record numbers of registrations from people of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage.

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Why Black, Asian and minority ethnic donors are needed

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Campaign to increase Black and Asian organ donors

People from Black and Asian communities are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes and certain forms of hepatitis than white people. This makes them more likely to need a transplant.

3 in 10 (31%) of people waiting for a transplant across the UK are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background. Over a third of people (35%) waiting for a kidney are from these backgrounds.
Our campaign objectives:

Increase awareness of the law change among Black, Asian and minority ethnic people living in England

Increase the proportion of Black and Asian people who have told their family / close friends their organ donation decision from a baseline of 27% (November 2017 wave 5)

Increase the willingness to donate among Black and Asian audiences

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Why Black, Asian and minority ethnic donors are needed

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People from Black and Asian communities are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes and certain forms of hepatitis than white people. This makes them more likely to need a transplant. 3 in 10 (31%) of people waiting for a transplant across the UK are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background.

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blood s a representation of life, life is sacred to god

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 Americans. SCD can lead to lifelong disabilities and reduce average life expectancy. CDC considers SCD a major public health concern and is committed to conducting surveillance, raising awareness, and promoting health education.

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Donors with the Ro subtype

Some people rely on donations of the Ro subtype. Please keep donating if you have the Ro subtype.

Coronavirus has resulted in some changes and extra safety measures when you donate.

Find out more about giving blood during coronavirus

What is the Ro subtype?

The Ro subtype is a variation of the Rh positive blood type. You might have it if you have O positive, A positive, B positive or AB positive blood.

Everyone has a blood subtype so having the Ro subtype does not mean there's a problem with your blood.

Dr Alexander Weiner discovered these subtypes in 1943 and gave them simplified names, which is where the name 'Ro' comes from.

Why is the Ro subtype important?

Subtypes are important if you receive regular transfusions and need blood that's compatible with both your blood type and your subtype.

The Ro subtype is particularly important for two reasons:

demand is increasing by 10-15% each year

only 2% of regular donors have the Ro subtype

So there's a gap between the number of donations we collect, and the amount of Ro blood hospitals need.

Ro blood is a rare blood type and there are patients in real need of it.

We need more blood donors with the Ro subtype to make sure the right blood is available to everyone who needs it.

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Some people rely on donations of the Ro subtype. Please keep donating if you have the Ro subtype. Coronavirus has resulted in some changes and extra safety measures when you donate. Find out more about giving blood during coronavirus The Ro subtype is a variation of the Rh positive blood type.

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National Blood Donor Month: Blood type compatibilities

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January is National Blood Donor Month. If you’ve ever donated blood (or received blood from a donation) then you might have wondered why some types of blood can’t be given to some peopl…

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Sickle cell is a disorder of the haemoglobin in the red blood cells.

Haemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that is responsible for the colour of the cell and for carrying oxygen around the body.

People with sickle cell disorder are born with the condition, it is not contagious. It can only be inherited from both parents each having passed on the gene for sickle cell.

The main symptoms of sickle cell disorder are anaemia and episodes of severe pain. The pain occurs when the cells change shape after oxygen has been released. The red blood cells then stick together, causing blockages in the small blood vessels.

These painful episodes are referred to as sickle cell crisis. They are treated with strong painkillers such as morphine to control the pain.

People with sickle cell are at risk of complications stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness, bone damage and priapism (a persistent, painful erection of the penis).

Over time people with sickle cell can experience damage to organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen. Death can also result from complications of the disorder. Treatment of sickle cell mostly focuses on preventing and treating complications.

The only possible cure for the disorder is bone marrow transplant but this is only possible for a limited number of affected individuals who have a suitable donor. A medicine called Hydroxyurea, can significantly reduce the number of painful crises.

1 SCD is inherited from both parents; sickle cell trait is inherited from one parent.

2 SCD can affect anyone, although it predominantly affects people from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

3 1 in 76 babies born in the UK carry sickle cell trait.

4 Approximately 15,000 people in the UK have sickle cell disorder.

5 Approximately 350 babies with SCD are born in the UK every year.

6 A simple blood test will tell whether you have sickle cell trait or the disorder

7 Children with SCD are at increased risk for stroke, the risk is highest between the ages of 2 and 16.

8 Episodes of pain may occur in sickle cell disorder and are generally referred to as a crisis

The Sickle Cell Trait

You are born with sickle cell trait. It is inherited when only one of your parents has passed on the sickle gene, and will never develop into sickle cell disorder.

You do not have symptoms from sickle cell trait, so it is a good idea to have a blood test to see if you have sickle cell trait.

If you have the trait, the majority of red cells in the blood are normal round shaped cells. Some sickle shaped cells may be present under certain conditions.

Sickle cell trait is found in 1 in 4 West Africans and 1 in 10 Afro-Caribbeans, and is also found in people who originate from the Mediterranean, Asia and the Middle East. It is less common in white European's, although with the ever growing diversity of the population this will change.

Most people who have sickle cell trait are healthy. However, anaesthetics can cause problems. If you have sickle cell trait Always notify your dentist or doctor before treatment commences to be on the safe side.

There is a small chance that you may experience pain at high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet), including long-haul flying in unpressurised planes and mountain climbing. It is important you say you have sickle cell trait before undertaking such activities as you may need to breathe oxygen. Extreme exercise may also precipitate problems and if you are a professional athlete you should have a training programme that takes account of this.

The trait is not an illness, but if you are planning to have children, then certain factors have to be considered.

If your partner does not have sickle cell trait, then any children you have will not have sickle cell disorder, but they could have the trait (50% chance).

If you and your partner both have the trait, there is a 25% chance that any child conceived may have sickle cell disorder and 50% chance they will have the trait.

What to do next?

If you want to know your sickle cell status you can ask your GP for a blood test.

In some parts of the country there are also local sickle cell centres that can arrange a blood test for you.

You may have been screened for sickle cell disease. Screening is offered .

To all newborn babies as part of the newborn bloodspot (heelprick test) when your baby is five days old. The key reason for offering newborn screening for sickle cell disease is because babies with sickle cell disease are vulnerable to serious infections. By identifying babies early in life , they can be prescribed penicillin and be referred for specialist care, so that they stay healthy.

Newborn screening also detects babies who have the trait (also known as a carrier) for sickle cell disease.

To all pregnant women early in pregnancy (ideally by ten weeks) . Antenatal screening identifies parents to be who have the trait (also known as a carrier). If the mother is identified with the trait, the baby's father is offered a screening test.

There are several treatments available to help manage sickle cell (HbSS) and prevent or treat its symptoms. Your GP, hospital doctor or specialist nurse will recommend appropriate treatments for you or your child. Their recommendations may include:

Penicillin (or erythromycin in the case of allergy) is prescribed to all infants from the age of 3 months to prevent overwhelming pneumococcal sepsis. [1,2] Other infections, for example chest infection or osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) are treated with the appropriate antibiotic.

All infants should receive immunisations according to the universal schedule. In addition, those with sickle cell disease should receive extra vaccinations against Meningitis (Men ACWY) and Pneumococcus (PPV). The latter is given 5 yearly throughout life.

Mild to moderate painful episodes may be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol which should be taken regularly until the episode is over. It is sometimes necessary to go to hospital for severe pain as stronger painkillers such as opiates may be needed.

Blood transfusions are used in the management of sickle cell disease in different ways. In the case of a sudden drop in haemoglobin, such as acute splenic sequestration or aplasia due to parvovirus infection, a simple top-up of non-sickle cell blood is given. In acute emergencies, such as stroke or acute chest syndrome, an exchange blood transfusion is needed to reduce the amount of sickle cells in the blood. Regular, usually monthly, blood transfusions are indicated in the long-term management of stroke or if there is no response to other medications such as hydroxycarbamide (see below). Blood transfusions come from donated blood, which is collected, carefully tested for infections such as hepatitis and HIV, and then closely matched to the recipient to prevent reactions.

Also known as hydroxyurea, hydroxycarbamide increases the amount of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) in the blood and reduces the frequency of painful episodes and acute chest syndrome.[3] It is important to remember that hydroxycarbamide must be taken every day for it to work well and regular blood tests are necessary both to monitor benefits and possible side effects. It is now recommended that hydroxycarbamide should be discussed with parents of all children with sickle cell disease from the age of 9 months in order to prevent the onset of long-term complications., improve quality of life and maintain healthy growth.[4] However, while conversations should start from the age of 9 months, hydroxycarbamide is only licensed for use in children over the age of 2 years.

The mortality in childhood sickle cell disease has fallen from 10% in the 1980's to <1% now. This is almost entirely due to new-born screening, early registration into care and penicillin prophylaxis. Advice and support to parents is also crucial in insuring early recognition of symptoms and good access to medical care. The morbidity from stroke has reduced significantly with the introduction of routine transcranial Doppler screening from the age of 2 years. The adoption of the British Society of Haematology guideline to discuss with parents the early use of hydroxycarbamide and starting treatment from the age of 2 years, should improve quality of life further and prevent long- term complications before they develop.

For further information about the treatment and management of sickle cell, speak to a healthcare professional.

The following standards and guidelines are also available

Standards for the Clinical care of Adults with Sickle cell disease in the UK https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Standards-for-the-Clinical-Care-of-Adults-with-Sickle-Cell-in-the-UK-2018.pdf Sickle Cell Disease in Childhood: Standards and recommendations for Clinical Care https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SCD-in-Childhood_Final-version-1.pdf

1. Prevention of infection 1 Oligbu G, Collins S, Sheppard C, et al. Risk of invasive pneumococcal disease in children with sickle cell disease in England: a national observational cohort study, 2010-2015. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103: 643-7.

2. Gaston MH, Verter JI, Woods G, et al. Prophylaxis with oral penicillin in children with sickle cell anemia. N Engl J Med 1986; 314: 1593-9.

3. Rees DC. The rationale for using hydroxycarbamide in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Haematologica. 2011 Apr;96(4):488-91.

4. Qureshi A, Kaya B, Pancham S, et al. Guidelines for the use of hydroxycarbamide in children and adults with sickle cell disease: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol 2018; 181: 460-75.

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Haemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that is responsible for the colour of the cell and for carrying oxygen around the body. People with sickle cell disorder are born with the condition, it is not contagious. It can only be inherited from both parents each having passed on the gene for sickle cell.

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Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Accept Blood Transfusions?

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Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Accept Blood Transfusions?

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Myth: Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in medicine or medical treatment.

Fact: We seek the best possible medical care for ourselves and our families. When we have health problems, we go to doctors who have skill in providing medical and surgical care without blood. We appreciate advancements that have been made in the medical field. In fact, bloodless treatments developed to help Witness patients are now being used to benefit all in the community. In many countries, any patient can now choose to avoid blood-transfusion risks, such as blood-borne diseases, immune-system reactions, and human errors.

Myth: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that faith will heal a person's ailments.

Fact: We do not practice faith healing.

Myth: Avoiding blood transfusions is very costly.

Fact: Medical treatments that avoid blood transfusions are cost-effective. a

Myth: Many Witnesses, including children, die each year as a result of refusing blood transfusions.

Fact: This statement is totally unfounded. Surgeons regularly perform such complex procedures as heart operations, orthopedic surgery, and organ transplants without the use of blood transfusions. b Patients, including children, who do not receive transfusions usually fare as well as or better than those who do accept transfusions. c In any case, no one can say for certain that a patient will die because of refusing blood or will live because of accepting it.

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Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Accept Blood Transfusions?

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Get the facts in response to common misconceptions! Find out the practical reasons and the changing viewpoints in the medical community.

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past ugly history of unethical experiments on black ethnicity

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past ugly history of unethical experiments on black ethnicity

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As a humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross is committed to listening to and learning from our valued colleagues and community members as we reflect on the legacy of racism and systemic discrimination in the U.S.

For more than 80 years, the Red Cross has helped to collect and distribute lifesaving blood. During that time, our work has been propelled by brilliant medical experts, dedicated employees and generous volunteers of all races and backgrounds. In 1942, the Red Cross made the regrettable decision to segregate blood based on race, accommodating cultural norms of the time rather than relying on scientifically based facts. In 1948, the Red Cross discontinued the practice of segregating blood, as we determined that there was no scientific or medical basis to do so.

We acknowledge that this practice was hurtful, and recognize these actions contributed to continued mistrust and pain for Black communities, where health disparities continue to be felt disproportionately. Today, the Red Cross stands firm in its dedication to diversity and inclusivity, and resoundingly rejects hate, racism and bigotry of any kind.
Blood Compatibility Advancements
With scientific advancements, we have learned a great deal about blood and its many unique characteristics. While the race of blood donors and blood recipients typically do not matter as long as their blood types are compatible, individuals who are Black (including African American or other individuals of African descent) have some unique protein structures on their red blood cells that can make it difficult to find a compatible unit of blood in other donor populations.

Beyond the well-known blood types of A, B, O and AB, there are more than 600 known antigens for red blood cells, and some antigens are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. For example, Ro is a Rh antigen, or haplotype. This haplotype is more than 10 times more likely to be in individuals who are Black or of African descent than individuals who are white. This information is important in meeting the transfusion needs of patients with sickle cell disease, who, in the U.S., are mostly individuals who are Black. If a patient has this haplotype, we are more likely to find the most compatible blood product match from a Black donor.
Sickle Cell Blood Needs
In our current health system in the U.S., patients who are Black continue to face racial inequities in the fight against sickle cell disease. Unlike other diseases, there have been fewer health resources available to help those suffering from sickle cell disease in comparison to similar diseases, a troubling legacy of neglect for diseases that primarily affect individuals who are Black. Today, blood transfusions for patients with sickle cell disease remains as one of the primary treatments to help alleviate the pain of this disease.

Blood transfused to patients with rare blood types, like those with sickle cell disease, must be matched very closely to reduce the risk of complications. These patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor of the same race or ethnicity. While the science of blood antigens can be complicated, the simple fact is, individuals who are Black have unique antigens on their red blood cells that must be closely matched for patients with sickle cell disease.

That is why the Red Cross has made increasing blood donations from individuals who are Black a priority:

We work closely with diverse community leaders and preeminent organizations within the Black community to address blood-related medical concerns prevalent in Black populations, such as sickle cell disease, as well as to help increase blood drives in Black communities.

We are currently offering sickle cell trait screening on all donations from self-identified African American donors. This additional screening will help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help sickle cell patients and provide these specific donors an additional health insight during a time when health information has never been more important.

We recognize the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the challenges for patients with sickle cell disease as they face new concerns around availability of care and access to needed blood products for their treatment. One treatment a patient should not have to worry about is the availability of a closely matched blood product to ease their pain.

The Red Cross is committed to ensuring blood is available for any patient who may need it, and that the most compatible blood match is available for all patients in need.
A Diverse, Inclusive Future
As we work to inspire and build a more inclusive future for our nation and the world, it is important the Red Cross reflects on all aspects of our past, honors the historic pain caused by racial discrimination, and understands current challenges to meet the needs of all patients equitably. Establishing trust and maintaining transparency with those we serve is critical to alleviating human suffering.

Everyone is welcome and needed in this mission to provide blood to patients in need, and we invite you to join us. Together, this is a need we can and must address today.

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The Color of Blood: Red Cross Reflects on its Blood Collection History

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As a humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross is committed to listening to and learning from our valued colleagues and community members as we reflect on the legacy of racism and systemic discrimination in the U.S. For more than 80 years, the Red Cross has helped to collect and distribute lifesaving blood.

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End the African blood donor ban, say MPs | Terrence Higgins Trust

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Taiwo Owatemi and Sarah Owen demand the Health Secretary ‘accepts the science and removes these discriminatory rules’.

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In the United States, there are more than 13.2 million blood donors. Globally, people donate more than 100 million units of blood each year.

It is only possible to store blood for a limited time, so encouraging the routine donation of blood is key. As the World Health Organization (WHO) explains:
"A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components - red cells, platelets, and plasma - which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions."
Medical News Today spoke with Dr. James F. Kenny, the associate chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, NY. He outlined the vital contribution of donated blood to society:

"Patients who have been subjected to major trauma, are under surgery, receive chemotherapy, or have disease of the bone marrow commonly require transfusion of blood products to survive. Transfusion of a blood product happens every 2 seconds in the U.S. - that's 21 million transfusions per year!"
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Anyone who is healthy before donating blood will not become less healthy afterward. Although doctors recommend that people rest for a day and drink fluids after donating, the health of these individuals is not in jeopardy.

Within an estimated 48 hours of donating, an individual's blood volume returns to normal - predominantly through an increase in plasma. Within 4-8 weeks, the body will replace all of the lost red blood cells.

MNT spoke with Dr. Emanuel T. Ferro, Ph.D., a pathologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, and director of the Blood Bank, Donor Center, and Transfusion Medicine at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. He told us:

"Blood donation is extremely safe. The vast majority of blood donors are able to donate a pint of blood in less than 15 minutes after completing a health questionnaire and having a mini physical with a check on their blood count to make sure it's safe to draw their blood. Donor reactions are rare."

It is true that there might be some side effects, though. Dr. John Raimo, chair of medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in Queens, NY, told MNT:

"It is possible to feel tired or lightheaded afterward. These symptoms will go away on their own, but you may want to drink some water and have a small snack to help. You may also feel sore or have a bruise on your arm."

Dr. Kenny told MNT that "younger people and those who are of low body weight " are more likely to feel lightheaded, but that "can usually be prevented by drinking fluid before the donation."

This is not true. In the U.S., people who are older than 16 years and weigh more than 110 pounds (50 kilograms) can give blood.

It is worth noting, however, that the rules differ in some countries. For instance, in the United Kingdom, donors must be aged 17-66 years. However, people who have donated blood before can continue to provide blood until the age of 70.

Anyone who is older than 70 but has given blood in the previous 2 years is also still eligible to donate.

This is a partial myth. Individuals taking certain medications, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet medications, and some acne treatments, should not donate blood.
However, in most cases, medications do not mean that someone cannot donate blood.
Before donating, a person should speak with a medical professional to check whether their current medications affect their eligibility to be a donor. Just as importantly, if a doctor has prescribed a medication, people should not stop taking it to donate blood.

Although registration and processing can take varying amounts of time, the procedure of donating blood only takes about 8-10 minutes. The American Red Cross explains that the "entire process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes."

Dr. Ferro explained to MNT why there is no risk of catching an infection when donating blood:

"We use a sterile technique to prepare your arm before we place the needle to draw your blood. Infections at the 'draw' site are almost unheard of. All of the needles we use are new, sterile, and only used once, so there is no chance of catching a bloodborne infection from donating blood."

Although not strictly related to blood donation, another common myth is that there is a high risk of infection when someone receives a blood transfusion. As Dr. Kenny explained to MNT:

"People can contract an infection from a blood transfusion if the blood is infected. [However,] this is very rare because the blood is rigorously screened for a number of viruses and bacteria. For instance, it is estimated the chance of contracting hepatitis C from a blood transfusion is about 1 in 100 million."

Again, this is a partial myth, as there is some pain as the needle goes in, but it is relatively mild and short-lived. Once the needle is in position, the donor should remain comfortable throughout.

Following blood donation, there may be some pain at the site of the needle's entry. Some people experience bruising, but this is usually harmless and disappears in a matter of days.

This is not true. Once blood cells have replenished, which takes up to 8 weeks, it is safe to donate blood again. Due to this, the American Red Cross advises that people can give whole blood every 56 days.

This is a long standing myth, but it is still a myth. The American Red Cross says to "[w]ait 3 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities."

Similarly, it explains that giving blood after a piercing is "[a]cceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable (which means both the gun and the earring cassette were disposable)." However, it asks potential donors to wait "3 months if a piercing was performed using a reusable gun or any reusable instrument."

This is not always true. As long as someone has systolic blood pressure lower than 180 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure lower than 100 mm Hg, they can donate blood.

Although certain medications mean that it is not possible to give blood, drugs for high blood pressure do not make someone ineligible to be a donor.

This is untrue - neither high blood cholesterol levels nor cholesterol-lowering drugs disqualify someone from donating blood.

This is another myth. As Dr. Ferro explained to MNT, these individuals "can [donate] as long as they meet all of the health screening requirements to donate blood. Some vegetarians/vegans do not ingest adequate iron and may be borderline anemic. However, we screen each donor for anemia, and potential donors [with this condition] are not allowed to donate."

Sadly, this is not true. As blood has a limited shelf life, maintaining adequate supplies is an ongoing challenge. As Dr. Raimo explained to MNT: "Donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days. Donated platelets must be used within 5 days. Because of this, donated blood needs to be replenished constantly, and we are always looking for more volunteers to donate."

Dr. Ferro also underlined the importance of blood donation:
"There is always a need for more blood donors. [...] The number of qualified blood donors is smaller than most people think. Each donor is carefully screened for the presence of infectious diseases and other conditions that might make their blood unsuitable to give to other people. A constant supply of qualified donors is needed to meet patient needs."
Dr. Kenny reiterated this message, explaining that "only about one-third of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, [and] only about 3% of these potential donors give blood on a regular basis. [...] Many patients require a specific type of blood. Blood banks can sometimes have adequate supplies of one blood type and, at the same time, have a critical shortage of another type."

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In the United States, there are more than 13.2 million blood donors. Globally, people donate more than 100 million units of blood each year. It is only possible to store blood for a limited time, so encouraging the routine donation of blood is key.

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The right type: raise awareness of blood donation

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Sickle cell patients like Miai rely on carefully matched blood transfusions to treat their illness, but there's a shortage of suitable donors.

Miai is one of 15,000 people in the UK with sickle cell disease and she relies on blood transfusions as part of her treatment. Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition most commonly found in those with African or Caribbean heritage.

It leads to abnormally shaped red cells. These can block blood vessels, causing what is called a sickle cell crisis.

Miai's mum, Lisa, says, "When Miai has a crisis, it usually starts with pain in her joints and increasingly in her chest.

"The pain is unbearable and can be very hard to manage as it's often felt deep into the bone. It can last days or weeks.

"It is very important we encourage our communities to regularly donate to ensure there is enough to meet demand and help individuals like Miai.

"If you are thinking about giving blood for the first time or you are a regular donor, please be reassured that each bag of blood is like a little bag of hope. It's an invaluable lifeline."

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Sickle cell patients like Miai rely on carefully matched blood transfusions to treat their illness, but there's a shortage of suitable donors. Miai is one of 15,000 people in the UK with sickle cell disease and she relies on blood transfusions as part of her treatment.

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World Blood Donor Day: June 14th

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World Blood Donor Day takes place on 14 June each year. The Day was created to:

raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion;

highlight the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems;

support national blood transfusion services, blood donor organizations and other nongovernmental organizations in strengthening and expanding their voluntary blood donor programmes by reinforcing national and local campaigns.

The day also provides an opportunity to call to action governments and national health authorities to provide adequate resources to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, unpaid blood donors and to manage access to blood and the transfusion of those who require it.

Blood and blood products are essential resources for effective management of women suffering from bleeding associated with pregnancy and childbirth; children suffering from severe anaemia due to malaria and malnutrition; patients with blood and bone marrow disorders, inherited disorders of haemoglobin and immune deficiency conditions; victims of trauma, emergencies, disasters and accidents; as well as patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical procedures. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. Blood shortages are particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries.

To ensure that everyone who needs transfusion has access to safe blood, all countries need voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give blood regularly. An effective blood donor programme, characterized by wide and active participation of the population, is crucial in meeting the need of blood transfusion during peace time as well as during emergencies or disasters, when there is a surge in demand for blood or when the normal operation of blood services is affected. While an enabling social and cultural atmosphere with strong solidarity facilitates development of an effective blood donor programme, it is also widely acknowledged that the act of blood donation contributes to generating social ties and building a united community.

Focus of this year's campaign

For 2022, the World Blood Donor Day slogan is "Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives" to draw attention to the roles that voluntary blood donations play in saving lives and enhancing solidarity within communities.

The specific objectives of this year's campaign are to:

thank blood donors in the world and create wider public awareness of the need for regular, unpaid blood donation;

highlight the need for committed, year-round blood donation, to maintain adequate supplies and achieve universal and timely access to safe blood transfusion;

recognize and promote the values of voluntary unpaid blood donation in enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion;

raise awareness of the need for increased investment from governments to build a sustainable and resilient national blood system and increase collection from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.

A particular activity that countries in the world are encouraged to implement for this year's campaign is to disseminate to various media outlets stories of people whose lives have been saved through blood donation as a way of motivating regular blood donors to continue giving blood, and to motivate people in good health who have never given blood to begin doing so.

Other activities that would help promote the slogan of this year's World Blood Donor Day may include donor appreciation ceremonies, social networking campaigns, special media broadcasts, social media posts featuring individual blood donors with the slogan, meetings and workshops, musical and artistic events to thank blood donors and celebrate solidarity, and colouring iconic monuments red.

Your involvement and support will help to ensure greater impact for World Blood Donor Day 2022, increasing recognition worldwide that giving blood is a life-saving act of solidarity and that services providing safe blood and blood products are an essential element of every health care system. Participation of interested partners is welcome at all levels to make World Blood Donor Day 2022 a global success.

Host for world blood donor day 2022 events

Mexico will host World Blood Donor Day 2022 through its National Blood Centre. The global event will be held in Mexico City on 14 June 2022.

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World Blood Donor Day 2022: Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives

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World Blood Donor Day takes place on 14 June each year. The Day was created to: raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion; highlight the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems; support national blood transfusion services, blood donor organizations and other nongovernmental organizations in strengthening and expanding their voluntary blood donor programmes by reinforcing national and local campaigns.

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Two-thirds of black Britons believe NHS gives white people better care, finds survey

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Almost two-thirds of black Britons think the NHS does less to protect their health than that of white people, research has found.

That negative view of the health service is shared by a majority of black people of almost all ages, and is held especially strongly by black women, according to findings of a study commissioned by a parliamentary committee.

Overall, 64% of black people do not believe that their health is as protected by the NHS compared with white people's. When asked if they thought it was, 34.3% disagreed and another 29.6% disagreed strongly, while just 19.9% agreed and a further 2.4% agreed strongly.

The survey was commissioned by MPs and peers on the joint committee on human rights as part of its inquiry into black people, racism and human rights in the UK. The report will be published and debated with the authors at an evidence session on Monday.

The NHS is currently grappling with how to tackle the disproportionate number of deaths from Covid-19 among its black, Asian and minority ethnic staff. The findings followed concern that black doctors in the health service are often paid less than white colleagues and are less likely to be promoted.

Harriet Harman, the former cabinet minister who chairs the committee, warned NHS bosses that they are obliged not to discriminate. The results pose "a major challenge" to the health service, and senior figures should not "sweep them under the carpet", she urged.

"The state has a duty to protect life and not to discriminate. They have a duty to protect the lives of black and non-black people equally.

"These findings are stark, especially as so many black people work in the NHS yet still feel that it does not value their lives equally. The fact that this is most strongly felt by black women perhaps reflects women's greater role in caring for children and older relatives," said Harman.

The committee commissioned the survey from Clear View Research as part of its work to better understand the views, attitudes and perceptions among the black community about how their human rights are protected.

Amid a high death toll from Covid-19 among BAME people, Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England's chief executive, in May acknowledged that "ethnicity and race have been shown systematically to influence our health, independent of factors such as age, sex and socio-economic status".

Clear View Research also found that three in four (75%) black people do not believe that their human rights in general are equally protected compared with white people. In addition, an overwhelming majority - 85% - do not believe that they would receive the same treatment from the police as white counterparts.

They interviewed 515 black people, 505 of whom were in England, between 29 July and 12 August. Of these, 274 were of black African origin, 181 were of black Caribbean ethnicity and the others were from other black backgrounds.

One interviewee told the researchers they did not believe that the health service always did its best for black people. The person said: "We [black people] are not seen as a priority [by the NHS]. We are dealt with on the basis that they have to, but they give us the minimal standard of what they can give to say, 'Well, we have done our part.' But they do not go to the point of actually executing the full range with us - so as long as they have done that little bit they can tick off."

The over-70s were the only age group in the black community among whom most (65%) believed their health was equally protected by the NHS.

While 47% of black men believe the NHS does less to help them than white peers, that view is shared by almost four in five (78%) black women, the survey found. Harman said she was dismayed to learn from evidence presented to the committee that black women were five times more likely to die in childbirth than white women and that "the NHS does not even have a target to narrow the race maternal mortality gap, let alone end it".

NHS England admitted that action was needed to ensure that people from all minority ethnic backgrounds received better care when using NHS services. A spokesperson said:"While this survey finds that most older black patients - those over 70 and who therefore typically use the NHS most - are positive about their experience, there is no doubt that more needs to be done to improve the experience of all black and minority ethnic people using health services."

NHS England recently set up an NHS Race and Health Observatory, based at the NHS Confederation, which will analyse in detail "the specific health challenges facing people from BAME backgrounds" and recommend policies to tackle them.

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Two-thirds of black Britons believe NHS gives white people better care, finds survey

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Almost two-thirds of black Britons think the NHS does less to protect their health than that of white people, research has found. That negative view of the health service is shared by a majority of black people of almost all ages, and is held especially strongly by black women, according to findings of a study commissioned by a parliamentary committee.

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A Healthy Education in Blood Donation: 10 Things You Might Not Know

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A quick education on the public health benefits of blood donation and the benefits of finding opportunities to volunteer.

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End the African blood donor ban, say MPs | Terrence Higgins Trust

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Taiwo Owatemi and Sarah Owen demand the Health Secretary ‘accepts the science and removes these discriminatory rules’.

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they have worked on this direction a lot of times, proving that it's not tat people are uneducated. This is an invalid point

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is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is "it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind."

The word is derived from the words:

SAN (return),

KO (go),

FA (look, seek and take).

The sankofa symbolizes the Akan people's quest for knowledge among the Akan with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient investigation.

The symbol - shown in the photo on an interior window in the Carter G. Woodson Center - is based on a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward with its head turned backwards. Thus, the Akan believe the past serves as a guide for planning the future. To the Akan, it is this wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future.

The Akans believe that there must be movement and new learning as time passes. As this forward march proceeds, the knowledge of the past must never be forgotten.

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The Power of Sankofa: Know History - Carter G. Woodson Center

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is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is "it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind." The word is derived from the words: SAN (return), KO (go), FA (look, seek and take).

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Black medics in NHS paid thousands less than white medics

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Black doctors in the NHS are paid on average almost £10,000 a year less and black nurses £2,700 less than their white counterparts, the biggest study of earnings by ethnicity has found.

The revelations, based on analysis of 750,000 staff salaries in the NHS in England, prompted claims of racial discrimination.

Black female doctors earn £9,612 a year less and black male doctors £9,492 a year less than white ones, the research exercise by NHS Digital, the service's statistical arm, found.

Black female nurses and midwives earn £2,700 a year less and black male nurses and midwives £1,872 a year less.

Black personnel - those who defined themselves as black/African/Caribbean/black British - are also paid much less than white colleagues across the entire range of roles performed in the health service, NHS Digital found.

Black men working in the NHS across all job types earn £5,796 less than white peers and £7,272 less than the average male pay. The equivalent gaps for black women are much smaller but still visible, at £1,980 and £2,172 respectively.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the chair of the British Medical Association, the doctors' union, said: "BME doctors make up more than a third of the medical workforce and play a vital role, day in day out, delivering care to patients across the country. Yet these figures confirm that they, alongside wider NHS staff, continue to face unacceptable barriers, penalties and discrimination in the health service.

"It cannot be right that in 21st-century Britain there are such wide gaps in pay between white and BME doctors when, irrespective of their background, they hold positions to deliver the same care to patients."

The 750,000 staff whom NHS Digital examined ranged from porters to neurosurgeons. It broke down the findings only for doctors, nurses/midwives and managers, and not for each of the 300 or so job roles in the NHS.

The Royal College of Nursing said the pay gaps were "enormous" and underlined the "appalling" under-representation of people from minority ethnic backgrounds in senior NHS roles.

Donna Kinnair, the RCN's acting chief executive, said: "As a black woman who spent a career in NHS nursing, nobody feels stronger about this than me. For the first time these figures show the shocking scale of the challenge we face to ensure BAME staff are represented at every level of our healthcare system.

"The enormous pay gaps highlighted here reflect the appalling lack of diversity at senior levels in the NHS. BAME staff make up 25% of NHS workforce, yet this dwindles to just 7% of senior managers. This lack of diversity means the NHS leadership fails to reflect the population it serves."

It is the second recent study to identify a substantial pay gap between white and minority ethnic doctors. According to the findings of Prof John Appleby, of the Nuffield Trust thinktank, published in the British Medical Journal this month, white consultants (senior hospital doctors) are paid on average £4,664 a year more than those from any sort of BME background, not just of black origin.

The NHS is already under fire for widespread gender pay gaps. Ministers have commissioned Prof Jane Dacre, the president of the Royal College of Physicians, to investigate. Her report is due in early 2019.

The BMA said the stark differentials in pay were part of a general pattern of unfair treatment of minority ethnic doctors. "BME doctors are continuing to suffer from other forms of discrimination. They're more likely to face referral to the General Medical Council, are more likely to have their cases investigated and are more likely to face harsh sanctions following an investigation," Nagpaul said.

"A recently launched major BMA survey shows that BME doctors also feel they are at greater risk of harassment and bullying and feel less able to raise concerns in the workplace."

Health minister, Stephen Barclay, said: "The NHS is a hotbed of talent for people from all communities, with diversity levels far in excess of the national average. We are determined to improve diversity and equality for everyone in the NHS which is why, for the first time, we have published data on pay and ethnicity.

"We will shortly outline plans to tackle inequalities at senior levels and break down barriers to progression, allowing the facilitation and celebration of diversity at all levels of the NHS."

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Black medics in NHS paid thousands less than white medics

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Black doctors in the NHS are paid on average almost £10,000 a year less and black nurses £2,700 less than their white counterparts, the biggest study of earnings by ethnicity has found. The revelations, based on analysis of 750,000 staff salaries in the NHS in England, prompted claims of racial discrimination.

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Black doctors are paid nearly £10,000 LESS than their white colleagues as figures reveal the NHS's 'unacceptable barriers' for ethnic minorities

Figures released by NHS Digital have revealed the pay gap between ethnicities

The difference in earnings has been called 'unacceptable' by experts

Black people earn less in all jobs across the NHS, from porters to surgeons

Black NHS doctors are paid on average almost £10,000 less a year than white ones, figures have revealed.

And black nurses and midwives earn an average of nearly £2,300 less because of a race pay gap which has been branded 'appalling' and 'enormous'.

Data showing the salaries of 750,000 NHS staff have shown black people in all roles across the health service are being paid less than their white counterparts.

The gap, branded an 'unacceptable barrier', exists for people working as hospital porters all the way up to neurosurgeons and amount to 'discrimination'.

The figures come just a week after one of the country's most senior doctors called the NHS 'subconsciously racist' for making it hard for ethnic minority medics to be promoted.

Figures from NHS Digital this week showed black female doctors earn an average of £9,612 less than white women, while the gap for men is £9,492.

The data looked at the salaries of workers who identify themselves as black, African, Caribbean or black British, The Guardian reported.

Black women can expect to earn £2,700 less than white women if they work as a nurse or midwife, while men in the same jobs are paid £1,872 less if they're black.

Across all of the approximately 300 jobs available in the NHS, black men earn an average of £7,272 less than the average male pay - and £5,796 less than their white peers.

And the gap for women is smaller but still amounts to an average of £2,172 lower than the average for all female workers - and £1,980 less than their white peers.

HOW MUCH IS THE DIFFERENCE IN PAY FOR THE AVERAGE NHS WORKER?

AVERAGE: £2,423 = £29,076

Asian: £2,637 = £31,644

Black: £2,242 = £26,904

White: £2,407 = £28,884

Other ethnic group: £2,590 = £31,080

Unknown: £2,491 = £29,892

AVERAGE: £3,157 = £37,884

Asian: £3,764 = £45,168

Black: £2,551 = £30,612

White: £3,034 = £36,408

Other ethnic group: £3,690 = £44,280

Unknown: £3,369 = £40,428

'BME doctors make up more than a third of the medical workforce and play a vital role, day in day out, delivering care to patients across the country,' Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association told The Guardian.

'Yet these figures confirm that they, alongside wider NHS staff, continue to face unacceptable barriers, penalties and discrimination in the health service.'

The figures released by NHS Digital are the biggest available breakdown of how pay differs across people of different ethnicities.

The official body only gave a detailed breakdown for the pay of doctors, nurses and midwives.

Dame Donna Kinnair, the acting chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing said: 'As a black woman who spent a career in NHS nursing, nobody feels stronger about this than me.

'For the first time these figures show the shocking scale of the challenge we face to ensure BAME staff are represented at every level of our healthcare system.

'The enormous pay gaps highlighted here reflect the appalling lack of diversity at senior levels in the NHS.

'BAME staff make up 25 per cent of NHS workforce, yet this dwindles to just seven per cent of senior managers. This lack of diversity means the NHS leadership fails to reflect the population it serves.'

The damning figures come just a week after Dr Nagpaul, BMA chairman, said the NHS was 'subconsciously racist' and doesn't promote enough ethnic minority doctors.

Dr Nagpaul, born to Indian parents in Kenya, told The Telegraph last week: 'At every stage in my career I have prepared and worked much harder than I would have needed to in order to secure positions.

'I've just accepted that. Sadly there is little doubt there is still a lack of equality in terms of staff in the NHS. That's of detriment to the population.'

The NHS employs 100,000 doctors, of which figures show around a third are from black or minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

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Black doctors are paid nearly £10,000 LESS than their white colleagues

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Figures released by NHS Digital have revealed the pay gap between ethnicities The difference in earnings has been called 'unacceptable' by experts Black people earn less in all jobs across the NHS, from porters to surgeons Black NHS doctors are paid on average almost £10,000 less a year than white ones, figures have revealed.

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In secret, communicate anonymously about personal problems (Yamily Denmark idea)

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In secret, communicate anonymously about personal problems (Yamily Denmark idea)

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The Human Library lets people borrow people instead of books, helping to smash stereotypes-there are ... [+]
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There is a movement that originated in Denmark, where instead of borrowing a book to read a story, you borrow a person instead. The idea, established in 2000, is to "publish people as open books" so that a person can ask questions of someone's life and experience and understand issues better. These Human Library projects now exist in over 70 countries.

The concept is simple-that stereotypes can be challenged when hearing stories from real people. The non-profit organization called The Human Library, hosts events "where readers can borrow human beings serving as open books and have conversations they would not normally have access to. Every human book from our bookshelf, represent a group in our society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin etc."

So, you can sit down with "Alcoholic", "Autism", "Bipolar" and "Body Mod Extreme" (someone with extreme body modifications) through every range of human condition imaginable-"Molested", "Muslim", "Naturist", "Polyamorous", etc-and ask questions, and hear people's stories. The tagline is "unjudge someone."

Much how normal libraries and bookshops operate there is also A Book of The Month, where people are featured as human books, such as The Holocaust Survivor in California/the Netherlands and The Transformista from The Human Library in Lima, Peru.

The project has lots of practical applications too. A new partnership with The University of Glasgow is encouraging 300 medical students to become readers in The Human Library to learn the skills needed as future doctors.

Dr. Lynsay Crawford, University Lecturer said that "we hope to run the program every year so all Glasgow graduates will learn how to 'unjudge'. This will benefit not only our students but also the patients and colleagues they will encounter in their future careers. Medical students need to have a wide knowledge base that can be learnt from traditional books, but to be truly effective and compassionate doctors they need to develop more nuanced skills-communication, empathy, listening, reflection-and what better way to achieve that, than through interactions, and connections, with people and their lived experience-the human books."

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

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The Human Library-Borrow A Person Instead Of A Book

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There is a movement that originated in Denmark, where instead of borrowing a book to read a story, you borrow a person instead. The idea, established in 2000, is to "publish people as open books" so that a person can ask questions of someone's life and experience and understand issues better.

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health testing pack distributed to families

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health testing pack distributed to families

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What are the main symptoms of SCD?

Anaemia is one of the most common sickle cell disease symptoms, which is where the haemoglobin in the blood is low. ³ Sickle cell anaemia does not usually display many symptoms, but it can cause headaches, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and fainting. ³

One debilitating symptom of SCD is sickle cell crisis, or vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).1,4 Sickling of red blood cells can result in cells getting stuck together, as well as increased adhesion to other blood cells and the blood vessel walls, causing blockages in the small blood vessels and triggering acute episodes of pain. 4, 11

The International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY)

In 2019, Novartis worked with patient groups to develop and conduct the International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY), a cross-sectional survey of 2,145 SCD patients and 365 healthcare professionals (HCPs) across 16 countries. Patients aged from six years were eligible to participate.

In the UK, 299 patients responded on questions exploring areas including treatment goals, symptom burden, and disease impact on day-to-day life.

Improving Quality of Life is the main treatment goal

Management of SCD involves education and support for patients, parents, carers and the wider family. It's important to focus on reducing pain caused by VOC episodes, managing any ongoing symptoms and paying close attention to health and lifestyle in order to stay healthy. ¹²

In the UK, results from SWAY found that the most important treatment goal reported by both patients and HCPs was 'improving quality of life', followed by improving overall symptoms. ¹³

SICKLE CELL WORLD ASSESSMENT SURVEY (SWAY)

Patients and doctors were asked
"Other than a cure for sickle cell disease (SCD), what are your 3 most important treatment goals?"
The most common treatment goal for both patients and Doctors was
'improving quality of life'
with 'improvement in overall symptoms' stated by:

Reference: Inusa B, et al. Patients' and Health Care Professionals' Perspectives on Treatment Goals in Sickle Cell Disease - A UK Perspective: Results From the International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY). Abstract published in the British Journal of Haematology. Abstract BSH2020-PO-037

Symptom burden for SCD patients

VOCs have also been reported to negatively impact SCD patients' quality of life (QoL). In the recent Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY) over two-thirds of UK respondents (69%) said that VOCs had a high impact on their emotional wellbeing. ¹⁴

SICKLE CELL WORLD ASSESSMENT SURVEY (SWAY)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterised by vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), which cause severe pain, impact patients' quality of life and increase the risk of organ damage and early death.

The main motivations for managing VOCs at home were:

Reference: Inusa B, et al. UK Patient perceptions on the symptomatic and emotional burden of vaso-occlusive crises resulting from Sickle cell disease. Abstract published in the British Journal of Haematology. Abstract BSH2020-PO-079A

People with SCD, are also at risk of stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness and bone damage. Over time, they can also experience damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and spleen. ¹

Visit the Sickle Cell Society website for more information about symptoms and management of SCD.

Living and working with SCD

Living with uncontrolled SCD can negatively impact daily life. UK patients responding to SWAY reported that SCD can have a high impact on relationships with family/spouse (48%) and their daily activities (e.g. housework) (44%). ¹⁴

View these patient videos to understand more about what it's like to live with SCD.

SCD19-C003a

SCD19-C003

SWAY also revealed that people living with SCD in the UK can face difficulties at work, with over 50% of patients surveyed reporting they need support at work due to their SCD. ¹⁵ Further, those surveyed also reported often missing work or needing to reduce their hours due to living with SCD. ¹⁵

SICKLE CELL WORLD ASSESSMENT SURVEY (SWAY)

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) reported that their disease has a high impact on their ability to work...

Reference: Inusa B, et al. UK Results from the International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY): Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Experience Work Impairment and Decreased Productivity. Abstract published in the British Journal of Haematology. Abstract BSH2020-OR-031

ONC20-C081 June 2020

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Anaemia is one of the most common sickle cell disease symptoms, which is where the haemoglobin in the blood is low. 3 Sickle cell anaemia does not usually display many symptoms, but it can cause headaches, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and fainting.

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3 Approximately 1 in 79 babies born in the UK carry sickle cell trait.

4 Approximately 15,000 people in the UK have sickle cell disorder.

5 Almost 300 babies are born in the UK with sickle cell each year.

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Sickle cell is a disorder of the haemoglobin in the red blood cells.

Haemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that is responsible for the colour of the cell and for carrying oxygen around the body.

People with sickle cell disorder are born with the condition, it is not contagious. It can only be inherited from both parents each having passed on the gene for sickle cell.

The main symptoms of sickle cell disorder are anaemia and episodes of severe pain. The pain occurs when the cells change shape after oxygen has been released. The red blood cells then stick together, causing blockages in the small blood vessels.

These painful episodes are referred to as sickle cell crisis. They are treated with strong painkillers such as morphine to control the pain.

People with sickle cell are at risk of complications stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness, bone damage and priapism (a persistent, painful erection of the penis).

Over time people with sickle cell can experience damage to organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen. Death can also result from complications of the disorder. Treatment of sickle cell mostly focuses on preventing and treating complications.

The only possible cure for the disorder is bone marrow transplant but this is only possible for a limited number of affected individuals who have a suitable donor. A medicine called Hydroxyurea, can significantly reduce the number of painful crises.

1 SCD is inherited from both parents; sickle cell trait is inherited from one parent.

2 SCD can affect anyone, although it predominantly affects people from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

3 1 in 76 babies born in the UK carry sickle cell trait.

4 Approximately 15,000 people in the UK have sickle cell disorder.

5 Approximately 350 babies with SCD are born in the UK every year.

6 A simple blood test will tell whether you have sickle cell trait or the disorder

7 Children with SCD are at increased risk for stroke, the risk is highest between the ages of 2 and 16.

8 Episodes of pain may occur in sickle cell disorder and are generally referred to as a crisis

The Sickle Cell Trait

You are born with sickle cell trait. It is inherited when only one of your parents has passed on the sickle gene, and will never develop into sickle cell disorder.

You do not have symptoms from sickle cell trait, so it is a good idea to have a blood test to see if you have sickle cell trait.

If you have the trait, the majority of red cells in the blood are normal round shaped cells. Some sickle shaped cells may be present under certain conditions.

Sickle cell trait is found in 1 in 4 West Africans and 1 in 10 Afro-Caribbeans, and is also found in people who originate from the Mediterranean, Asia and the Middle East. It is less common in white European's, although with the ever growing diversity of the population this will change.

Most people who have sickle cell trait are healthy. However, anaesthetics can cause problems. If you have sickle cell trait Always notify your dentist or doctor before treatment commences to be on the safe side.

There is a small chance that you may experience pain at high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet), including long-haul flying in unpressurised planes and mountain climbing. It is important you say you have sickle cell trait before undertaking such activities as you may need to breathe oxygen. Extreme exercise may also precipitate problems and if you are a professional athlete you should have a training programme that takes account of this.

The trait is not an illness, but if you are planning to have children, then certain factors have to be considered.

If your partner does not have sickle cell trait, then any children you have will not have sickle cell disorder, but they could have the trait (50% chance).

If you and your partner both have the trait, there is a 25% chance that any child conceived may have sickle cell disorder and 50% chance they will have the trait.

What to do next?

If you want to know your sickle cell status you can ask your GP for a blood test.

In some parts of the country there are also local sickle cell centres that can arrange a blood test for you.

You may have been screened for sickle cell disease. Screening is offered .

To all newborn babies as part of the newborn bloodspot (heelprick test) when your baby is five days old. The key reason for offering newborn screening for sickle cell disease is because babies with sickle cell disease are vulnerable to serious infections. By identifying babies early in life , they can be prescribed penicillin and be referred for specialist care, so that they stay healthy.

Newborn screening also detects babies who have the trait (also known as a carrier) for sickle cell disease.

To all pregnant women early in pregnancy (ideally by ten weeks) . Antenatal screening identifies parents to be who have the trait (also known as a carrier). If the mother is identified with the trait, the baby's father is offered a screening test.

There are several treatments available to help manage sickle cell (HbSS) and prevent or treat its symptoms. Your GP, hospital doctor or specialist nurse will recommend appropriate treatments for you or your child. Their recommendations may include:

Penicillin (or erythromycin in the case of allergy) is prescribed to all infants from the age of 3 months to prevent overwhelming pneumococcal sepsis. [1,2] Other infections, for example chest infection or osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) are treated with the appropriate antibiotic.

All infants should receive immunisations according to the universal schedule. In addition, those with sickle cell disease should receive extra vaccinations against Meningitis (Men ACWY) and Pneumococcus (PPV). The latter is given 5 yearly throughout life.

Mild to moderate painful episodes may be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol which should be taken regularly until the episode is over. It is sometimes necessary to go to hospital for severe pain as stronger painkillers such as opiates may be needed.

Blood transfusions are used in the management of sickle cell disease in different ways. In the case of a sudden drop in haemoglobin, such as acute splenic sequestration or aplasia due to parvovirus infection, a simple top-up of non-sickle cell blood is given. In acute emergencies, such as stroke or acute chest syndrome, an exchange blood transfusion is needed to reduce the amount of sickle cells in the blood. Regular, usually monthly, blood transfusions are indicated in the long-term management of stroke or if there is no response to other medications such as hydroxycarbamide (see below). Blood transfusions come from donated blood, which is collected, carefully tested for infections such as hepatitis and HIV, and then closely matched to the recipient to prevent reactions.

Also known as hydroxyurea, hydroxycarbamide increases the amount of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) in the blood and reduces the frequency of painful episodes and acute chest syndrome.[3] It is important to remember that hydroxycarbamide must be taken every day for it to work well and regular blood tests are necessary both to monitor benefits and possible side effects. It is now recommended that hydroxycarbamide should be discussed with parents of all children with sickle cell disease from the age of 9 months in order to prevent the onset of long-term complications., improve quality of life and maintain healthy growth.[4] However, while conversations should start from the age of 9 months, hydroxycarbamide is only licensed for use in children over the age of 2 years.

The mortality in childhood sickle cell disease has fallen from 10% in the 1980's to <1% now. This is almost entirely due to new-born screening, early registration into care and penicillin prophylaxis. Advice and support to parents is also crucial in insuring early recognition of symptoms and good access to medical care. The morbidity from stroke has reduced significantly with the introduction of routine transcranial Doppler screening from the age of 2 years. The adoption of the British Society of Haematology guideline to discuss with parents the early use of hydroxycarbamide and starting treatment from the age of 2 years, should improve quality of life further and prevent long- term complications before they develop.

For further information about the treatment and management of sickle cell, speak to a healthcare professional.

The following standards and guidelines are also available

Standards for the Clinical care of Adults with Sickle cell disease in the UK https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Standards-for-the-Clinical-Care-of-Adults-with-Sickle-Cell-in-the-UK-2018.pdf Sickle Cell Disease in Childhood: Standards and recommendations for Clinical Care https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SCD-in-Childhood_Final-version-1.pdf

1. Prevention of infection 1 Oligbu G, Collins S, Sheppard C, et al. Risk of invasive pneumococcal disease in children with sickle cell disease in England: a national observational cohort study, 2010-2015. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103: 643-7.

2. Gaston MH, Verter JI, Woods G, et al. Prophylaxis with oral penicillin in children with sickle cell anemia. N Engl J Med 1986; 314: 1593-9.

3. Rees DC. The rationale for using hydroxycarbamide in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Haematologica. 2011 Apr;96(4):488-91.

4. Qureshi A, Kaya B, Pancham S, et al. Guidelines for the use of hydroxycarbamide in children and adults with sickle cell disease: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol 2018; 181: 460-75.

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Haemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that is responsible for the colour of the cell and for carrying oxygen around the body. People with sickle cell disorder are born with the condition, it is not contagious. It can only be inherited from both parents each having passed on the gene for sickle cell.

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evidence from their past campaigns to prove their direction was ineffective

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evidence from their past campaigns to prove their direction was ineffective

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https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/campaigns/not-family-but-blood/

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To help treat people living with with sickle cell, we need more people of Black heritage to give blood this Black History Month.

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do you think NHS is inclusive?
Why? (type in)
Do you think NHS treats everyone equally?
Do you think NHS is accessible for everyone?
if not how could they improve? (type in)

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do you think NHS treats equally minorities

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You can download England and Trust-level results for each of the surveys on this page.

Please note, for each survey we have only uploaded comparable results from the past five years. To request any data which is not currently available, please contact us by email.

Children and Young People's Patient Experience Survey - Data

This survey looks at the experiences of children and young people, admitted to hospital as an inpatient or day case. The survey has been running since 2014.

Adult Inpatient Survey - Data

This survey looks at the experiences of adults admitted to hospital as an inpatient. The survey has been running since 2002 and is published annually.

Urgent and Emergency Care Survey - Data

This survey looks at the experiences of adults who received care from an emergency department or an urgent care centre. The survey has been running since 2003.

Maternity Survey - Data

This survey looks at the experiences of women across the maternity pathway. The survey has been running since 2007.

Community Mental Health Survey - Data

This survey looks at the experiences of people who received care in the community for a mental health condition. The survey has been running since 2003.

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This survey looks at the experiences of children and young people, admitted to hospital as an inpatient or day case. The survey has been running since 2014.

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All eligible NHS trusts in England participate in the NHS Patient Survey Programme, asking patients their views on their recent health care experiences. The findings from these surveys provide organisations with detailed patient feedback on standards of service and care, and can be used to help set priorities for delivering a better service for patients. The survey results are also used by the Care Quality Commission to measure and monitor performance at both local and national levels.

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All eligible NHS trusts in England participate in the NHS Patient Survey Programme, asking patients their views on their recent health care experiences. The findings from these surveys provide organisations with detailed patient feedback on standards of service and care, and can be used to help set priorities for delivering a better service for patients.

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Why is Blood from Afro-Caribbean Donors Special? » Sickle Cell Society

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This is a report on external research. It is not endorsed by the Sickle Cell Society and does not form part of our Information Standard-accredited information The information presented in this article came from the Blood Transfusion Service As you probably know, your blood group is inherited from yo…

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To help treat people living with with sickle cell, we need more people of Black heritage to give blood this Black History Month.

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Connect with yourself
Connect with your community

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Funding to promote donation within black, Asian, mixed race and minority ethnic (BAME) communities

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Bold Type par étapes_ et Kickstarter _ les projets de typographie présentés - étapes_

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THE ECCENTRICITIES OF EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE ART OF ANDY REMENTER

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The Illustrators Shunning Digital to Return to Simpler Means

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Gotham Chocolates - Handcrafted Chocolate Bars, Bon Bons, And More | Artisanal Chocolate Bars | NYC

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Yuko Shimizu Award winning Japanese illustrator based in New York City and instructor at School of Visual Arts.

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Comprehensive Guide And Illustration By 07sketches

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Contemporary Arts Festival Branding by Alkemia Studio

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For the most common uses, both personal and professional, for use in desktop applications with a font menu.

For example:

Install the font on your Mac OS X or Windows system

Use the font within desktop applications such as Microsoft Word, Mac Pages, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, etc.

Create and print documents, as well as static images (.jpeg, .tiff, .png)

Desktop licenses are based on the number of users of the fonts. You can change the number of users by clicking the quantity dropdown option on Buying Choices or Cart pages.

Please be sure to review the listing foundry's Desktop license agreement as some restrictions may apply-such as use in logos/trademarks, geographic restrictions (number of locations), and products that will be sold.

Adding users later:

Desktop licenses are cumulative. If you require a Desktop license that covers additional users, simply place a new order for the same Desktop package, for the number of additional users.

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Assegai Font | Webfont & Desktop | MyFonts

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For the most common uses, both personal and professional, for use in desktop applications with a font menu. For example: Install the font on your Mac OS X or Windows system Use the font within desktop applications such as Microsoft Word, Mac Pages, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, etc.

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NHS launches movie-inspired campaign to encourage public to visit their pharmacist - The Pharmaceutical Journal

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Patients are being encouraged to "take the drama out of minor illnesses" by visiting their pharmacist, as part of a movie poster-inspired campaign to encourage greater use of community pharmacies.

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Scott is a UK based freelance visual problem solver who goes around solving puzzles one illustration at a time.

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The NHS Corporate branding colours is NHS Blue which is Pantone 300; this should be used as the primary colour when designing communications materials. The logo should be NHS Blue or Black if against a light background and reversed out so that there is a white border around the lettering when printing on a dark background.

According to the NHS Brand Guidelines* this is supported by a vibrant secondary colour palette of 13 colours to be used for printed materials. These are:

Dark Green 342, Green 355, Lt Green 368, Aqua Green 3272, Aqua Blue 312, Light Blue - Process Blue, Dark Blue 287, Purple 2685, Dark Pink 676, Dark Red 1955, Red 485, Orange 144, Yellow - Process Yellow

Note that these guidelines do not refer to a suffix of C or U which denotes that the colour is on coated or uncoated paper, this is important as the colours do appear different when printed on different media. The NHS branding colours can be found in the Pantone Formula Guide Set as can the branding colours of many UK and global companies.

To match the Pantone colours accurately Pantone Spot inks are required but the NHS colour palette has been chosen so that, when printed in Digital four-colour process (also known as CMYK printing), the Pantone® equivalent is very similar. This is not the situation with many Pantone colours which are much less vivid and even quite dirty when printed with CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) inks.

The colour match can be checked using a Color Bridge Guide Set as this shows the Pantone Spot colour with its RGB values on one side and the CMYK equivalent with the CMYK values alongside it.

If you have access to more sophisticated Digital printing equipment this will now have the ability to use seven inks, adding Orange, Green and Violet to the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. This gives a significantly extended colour gamut which allows you to match almost 90% of all Pantone Spot colours without investing in Pantone Spot inks.

Pantone has launched the Extended Gamut Guide which shows the achievable colours in seven colour process and if you have the Pantone Solid to Seven Set this will allow you to compare solid colours to their Extended Gamut equivalents and see how close you will get when you print.

If you don't print spot, 7 is your best shot! Using spot colours to match brand standards is always the best and most reliable option. However, if budget or process challenges arise, the next best option is the Color Bridge.

Feel free to contact us by email to pantone@verivide.com or phone to +44 (0) 116 284 7790. We are happy to help you with any colour challenges or answer your questions.

* NHS Brand Guidelines can be found at www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk

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Which Pantone colour is NHS Blue? - NHS Colours & Branding | VeriVide

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The NHS Corporate branding colours is NHS Blue which is Pantone 300; this should be used as the primary colour when designing communications materials. The logo should be NHS Blue or Black if against a light background and reversed out so that there is a white border around the lettering when printing on a dark background.

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Dana Piazza is an artist based in Lenox, Massachusetts. Piazza creates abstract drawings depicting the illusion of depth, movement, and three-dimensionality. His meticulous drawings on paper, panel, and canvas are composed following algorithms conceived by the artist, allowing a predetermined set of

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This illustration was made for the independent magazine LeftCultures which uses a mixture of articles and illustration to push a more socialist leaning viewpoint. My illustration was created to compliment Rachel Collett's article talking about being influenced by the words of William Morris who is better known for his wallpaper and furniture designs during the Arts and Crafts movement.

Morris was a massive supporter of socialism and wrote many books on the matter but one in particular can be described as being more H. G. Wells than from someone who designs wallpaper as the titled News from Nowhere is about a time traveling victorian who travels to 1950s Britain and witnesses a socialist utopian society and what could be a more equal and diverse landscape.

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This illustration was made for the independent magazine LeftCultures which uses a mixture of articles and illustration to push a more socialist leaning viewpoint. My illustration was created to compliment Rachel Collett's article talking about being influenced by the words of William Morris who is better known for his wallpaper and furniture designs during the Arts and Crafts movement.