Did you know that black people in the UK face particular health concerns, such as higher risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sickle cell disorder?

Here's some information that you may find useful.

Did you know here is a significant need for more organ donors of Black heritage to help the growing number of Black patients waiting for life-saving transplants?

To be an organ donor when you die, the best thing to do is to confirm your name and decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

As sickle cell disorder is more common in Black people, there’s a real need for blood types that are more common in people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage. Most people can give blood if they’re in good general health. Find out more and become a blood donor via the NHS Give Blood app or at www.blood.co.uk  and info about the closely-matched blood type donations.

NHS England launched its first sick cell podcast series, to mark Black History Month in 2024.

Predominantly affecting people of black African and black African Caribbean ethnicity, in episode one, sickle cell patient Stephanie George reminds us all, of the importance of compassion. Stephanie is joined by Dr Rossby Awadzi, a London doctor in haematology who runs the sickle cell patient education series and Dr Dianne Addei, NHS England’s lead for sickle cell improvement. Rossby and Dianne discuss the importance of genetic blood matching, provide an update on the sickle cell disorder emergency department bypass units and the role of patient education. The series will consist of six weekly episodes, which are subtitled.

Watch episode one here: https://on.soundcloud.com/hgLctbArVkQi5wct7.

In the UK people of Black African, African Caribbean and south Asian backgrounds have an increased risk of getting cardiovascular disease (CVD). This is because people from these backgrounds are more likely to have other risk factors for CVD, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

A healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of CVD. If you already have CVD, staying as healthy as possible can reduce the chances of it getting worse. The following actions can help lower your risk:

  • Stop smoking
  • Have a balanced diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Cut down on alcohol
  • Take medicines such as statins – talk to your primary care team about these

For more information, visit NHS.uk

A blue poster with text that reads: "You'll need an accurate measurement of your height, weight and waist size. Type 2 diabetes. Know your risk."

You’re more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you’re from a South Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean background. The risks increase even more if you’re:

  • Over 25 years old
  • Overweight
  • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have a history of gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar during pregnancy

The Know Your Risk tool from Diabetes UK can help you find out your risk in 2 minutes. You can enter information including your ethnicity, age, height, weight and waist measurement, and it will give you an assessment of your personal risk of developing type 2 diabetes and advice about the next steps.