Growing Need for Black Blood Donors Hits Home in Pompano Beach as Sickle Cell Cases Rise

The growing demand for blood donations for sickle cell patients is drawing attention in communities like Pompano Beach, where many families are impacted by a disease that disproportionately affects Black Americans. Health experts say Black blood donors are urgently needed because they are more likely to provide closely matched blood for patients living with sickle cell disease, a painful inherited blood disorder.

The issue is especially relevant in Broward County, which has one of the highest concentrations of sickle cell patients in the state. A 2024 Florida Medicaid report found Broward County accounted for nearly 15% of Florida’s Medicaid recipients diagnosed with sickle cell disease — one of the highest rates statewide. Another statewide surveillance study identified more than 1,200 sickle cell patients in Broward County alone.

National reports show demand for specialized blood used in treatment has increased more than 130% over the past decade. Sickle cell disease primarily affects people of African and Caribbean descent, populations that make up a significant portion of Broward County’s diverse communities.