BREAKING NEWS - ACLT in the News
‘New pain-free way to test for bone marrow donors’ The Independent – 1 July 2010
This article in The Independent newspaper highlights the official launch of the new saliva DNA kits developed by Anthony Nolan, owner of the UK’s largest bone marrow donor registry. Saliva tests will now replace the initial blood sample taken when recruiting new bone marrow donors aged 18 to 40 to become potential bone marrow donors.
Until now the only way to comprehensively test tissue type has been to take a blood sample with a syringe, something which organisations like the ACLT understand that fears about needles stops many people from signing up to bone marrow registries.
People who wish to register as a lifesaver for the Anthony Nolan register will now be able to provide a small saliva sample. Specialists will analyse the DNA to assess the tissue type of the donor who could be a potentially match for a patient in need now or in the future.
The ACLT piloted the new saliva test kits at the recent ACLT Super Donation Day event at Choice FM studios, Leicester Square in the heart of London’s west end on Saturday 26 June 2010.
Click here to read the full article
Beverley De-Gale, ACLT cofounder commented ‘Saliva tests will help dispel the fear of needles and reluctance, radically speed up bone marrow registration and renew the public’s enthusiasm to help save lives.’
‘Spit & Commit’ Be the ONE to make a difference today!
'Blood For Blood' was broadcasted on BBC Radio 4 on Thursday February 25th and BBC World Service from Monday 26th April - Sunday 2nd May 2010 as part of the 'Health Check'. MW 648 or via the BBC World Service on the Internet.
The radio program is still available to be listened online by clicking 'Blood For Blood'
Why are Black and Asian people in Britain reluctant to act as blood, bone marrow and organ donors?
What lies behind the reluctance of Black and Asian people in Britain to act as blood and organ donors? Statistically, they are far less likely to come forward as donors than their white compatriots. The oft repeated suggestion is that there is a greater fear and suspicion of the medical profession by these groups. But is that really the case? Might the answers be cultural, religious or stem from a lack of awareness?
The problem is made even more stark by figures which show that Black and Asian people comprise a quarter of the people on the waiting list for kidney transplants for example, far in excess of their percentage of the population.
In Blood for Blood, Beverley De-Gale examines the imbalance between donors and recipients in the black and Asian populations.
Beverley De-Gale’s son, Daniel, was in need of a bone marrow transplant and held out hope for several years before finding a donor but sadly died from non-related complications in 2008. But the years of anxious waiting on a list exposed a truth: the pool of Black donors was virtually dry.
In the wake of the death of her son, Beverley De-Gale asks just what is behind the conundrum of Britain’s Black and Asian population’s disinclination to volunteer as blood and organ donors.
BBC Producer - Colin Grant
Those of you who listened to the original show can feedback or add comments about the programme by CLICKING HERE
‘Inspirations’
BBC Radio Northampton – 23rd May 2010 at 5pm
Radio Presenter: Mark Dean Show, 4pm to 6pm
Mark Dean’s vibrant two-hour Sunday Community show included a 10 min piece by Chaz Harrison, Broadcast Journalist. Chaz talked about the urgent need and interviewed four ACLT supporters. Louise Lawrence and Ivor Burford have both received a bone marrow transplant and
Katrina Baylis and Donna Benjamin who urgently await a transplant were all invited to share their experiences to help educate others. The show provoked a heartfelt response and will hopefully galvanise more people to sign-up in this region.
Please click here to visit Mark Dean's BBC web page
‘Blacks and Asians are reluctant to donate tissue’
People and Science – June 2010
British Science Association (BSA)
A sensational headline in the Metro that highlighted how mistrust in the use of the Police DNA database may impact decisions to donate, spurred an invitation for the ACLT to present a more balanced article for the BSA. Orin explores more deeply the issues behind why Blacks and Asians are not stepping forward in their masses as donors to help save lives.
Please click here to read the full article
