Engaging ethnic minority blood donors

Background and Objectives Targeting ethnic minorities is consistent with the objective of ensuring better access to rare phenotypes. The number of blood donors is generally lower among these groups. This article seeks to present the solutions Héma‐Québec has developed to address this challenge. Materials and Methods In 2010–2011, the organization conducted 53 awareness‐raising activities targeting black communities. In 2009–2010, 83 interviews were conducted with donors and leaders of diverse ethnic groups in Montreal. Employees’ perceptions were also explored. Based on research findings, a training seminar was developed and provided to 69 front‐line managers. Its most important elements were integrated into basic training for all employees. Results The number of black community donors climbed from 170 in 2009 to 1582 in 2012. However, experiences with ethnic associations and donors have raised many concerns among staff. The 2‐day training helped planning services develop better recruitment strategies and bolster employees’ self‐confidence with regard to their interactions with ethnic minorities. Conclusion New strategies are dependent on the specific characteristics of each country's ethnic diversity, the availability of empirical data on minorities, and the clearly expressed will of management in blood products supply organizations.