April is National Minority Health Month.

The American Red Cross is working to increase blood donations and testing more people for diseases disproportionately impact minorities.

Red Cross officials say there is a constant need for blood because almost 16 million blood components are transfused every year.

Some diseases including an inherited blood disorder called thalassemia and sickle cell, which both mainly affect minority groups, require regular blood transfusions.

Officials say having a more diverse group of donors can help ensure there's enough blood supply for everyone.

The organization says that one in three African-American donors are a match for a patient with sickle cell. In 2021, they launched the sickle cell initiative. As a result, more than 170,000 first-time African American donors gave blood.

"We've also been able to reverse the declining trend of African-American donors throughout the country through our initiative and so I think that is a huge testament to the community understanding the importance of blood donation," says Tiffany Taylor.