A new qualitative study published in CMAJ reveals that Black Canadians who want to donate blood face a web of barriers — many rooted in racism. Researchers at the University of Ottawa interviewed 42 Black adults and identified 14 themes grouped into five barrier clusters: systemic and policy barriers, knowledge and awareness gaps, accessibility and practical challenges, social and cultural hurdles, and psychological obstacles. The most frequently cited issues were restrictive donation policies, institutional racism, historical anti-Black discrimination, and deep mistrust of the healthcare system.

One major policy barrier: a prior malaria infection has historically disqualified donors, disproportionately affecting people from malaria-endemic regions. A new nucleic acid test (NAT) approved by Health Canada in 2025 can now detect active malaria parasites rather than blanket-deferring anyone with past exposure — and Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is seeking approval to implement it, potentially by late 2026 or early 2027.

Key Takeaways:

• Clinicians are urged to examine their own biases and create safe, respectful environments for Black patients
• CBS has launched a national African, Caribbean, and Black advisory group and is training staff in cultural sensitivity
• Héma-Québec is partnering with community organizations, including the Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Quebec

Why it matters: Blood from Black donors is critically needed — particularly for patients with sickle cell disease who require closely matched transfusions. Removing systemic barriers could meaningfully expand Canada's blood supply while addressing long-standing racial inequities in healthcare.