Latinos play vital role helping patients in emergencies with critical blood donations

Red Cross celebrates and honors Hispanic and Latino blood donors, volunteers and employees who make its lifesaving mission possible

Blood donations from the Latino and Hispanic communities are vital to help meet the needs of patients across the country. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood-an individual health emergency hidden behind closed hospital doors. This Hispanic Heritage Month and every day of the year, the American Red Cross celebrates and recognizes the work of all its Hispanic and Latino employees, volunteers and blood donors who contribute significantly to its lifesaving mission.

Nearly 60% of Latinos have type O blood-a crucial blood type in emergency situations and too often in low supply. More than a quarter of all blood products transfused each year are used in critical care and emergency situations.

"The Hispanic community is very supportive. We are willing to help when we know that a family member, a neighbor or a friend is in need," said Dr. Maribel García Colón, medical director of the American Red Cross for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. "As a doctor, I can tell you that blood saves lives. People are alive today because someone generously donated blood to help someone in their time of need."

The Red Cross is grateful for the more than 168,000 self-identified Hispanic blood donors who generously roll-up their sleeves each year. Their lifesaving donations help the Red Cross to meet the needs of some of its most vulnerable patients-trauma and accident victims, newborns and their moms, and patients battling severe chronic illnesses like cancer and sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross is committed to the health of the patients we serve as well as the health of its donors. As part of the donation process, all donors receive a mini health screening that provides insight into key health indicators like pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin levels. Donors can track their health using the Red Cross Blood Donor App or through their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org.

In celebration of this year's National Hispanic Heritage Month's theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future," the Red Cross encourages the public to join with the Hispanic community to helping shape a brighter future for patients in need of lifesaving blood-schedule an appointment to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To say thanks, all who come to give blood Sept. 16-30 will get a $15 e-gift card. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fallfor details. All who come to give blood in October will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See details at RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

About Blood Donation:

All are welcome in our mission. To donate blood individuals must be over 17 years of age in most states (with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. All blood donors are asked to bring a photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport from their home country, student, work or library card.

Most donors feel well after donation and leave happy knowing they helped ensure the health of patients in their community. The Red Cross does strongly recommend that all donors spend approximately 15 minutes in our refreshment and recovery area after their donation to refuel and rehydrate their body with key nutrients like salt, sugar and fluids. These nutrients can help restore the body's blood volume faster.

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