In October, we celebrate Black History Month: From the nurses who came from the Caribbean to help set up the NHS, to their descendants, the scientists, mathematicians, allied health professionals and leaders whose action and ideas help shape the NHS today.

The current NHS workforce is more diverse than at any point in its history. Across England, Black colleagues make up 8.5% of the NHS workforce, 6.1% of doctors, dentists and consultants, and 11.8% of nurses, midwives and health visitors.

There 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 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.

In the UK people of south Asian and Black African or African Caribbean background have an increased risk of getting cardiovascular disease (CVD). Please visit NHS.uk to learn how you can reduce your risk. They are also more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Use the Know Your Risk tool from Diabetes UK to find out your risk and get advice about the next steps.

For those who already have type 2 diabetes, Healthy Living is an online programme clinically proven to help participants live well with the condition. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing your type 2 diabetes can help you avoid complications such as heart disease, and stroke. Sign up today at Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes – NHS.