The American Red Cross highlights the generosity of Latino and Hispanic blood donors, whose contributions are critical to patient care and community resilience.
Hispanics play an important role in the U.S. blood supply: Nearly 60% have type O blood, the type most commonly used in emergencies, where every second can make a difference.
Last year alone, more than 180,000 Latino donors rolled up their sleeves, which represents a 7% increase over the previous year, highlights NAPS (North American Press Syndicate).
Thanks to collaboration with local Hispanic organizations, blood donation campaigns are carried out throughout the country, keeping this important impulse alive.
It should be noted that the winter weather has caused a decrease in blood donations. And with more storms on the way, type O blood donors are needed immediately to avoid a shortage. Schedule your appointment to donate today at the link https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive .
A second chance
The American National Red Cross points out that few stories reflect the impact of blood donation, like that of student Mikie Guerrero, who when he was a senior in high school, suffered a devastating car accident that left him with multiple fractures and traumatic injuries to his brain and spine. It took 64 blood transfusions to keep Mikie alive.
«I had two cardiac arrests in the hospital. The doctors did not expect him to walk again. But because the blood was there when I needed it, I am alive, and now I can stand up and walk with help,” he said.
In gratitude to the unknown people who saved his life, Mikie and his family began organizing Red Cross blood drives. In just three years, they have collected more than 117 units of blood, exceeding their goals by 138%, and inspiring dozens of people to donate for the first time.
“The blood I received gave me a second chance… I graduated high school, got my community college degree, and can live my life. Without those donors, I would not be here today,” notes a NAPSI publication.
How you can help
The American Red Cross invites everyone to join this life-saving mission. By donating blood, you can offer someone the same second chance Mikie received.
Schedule an appointment by downloading the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org/espanol or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Wrap yourself up with a cool reward! … In gratitude to those who come to donate blood before January 4, they will receive an exclusive Red Cross t-shirt.
Remember that the blood supply in the US depends almost exclusively on voluntary donors and every day thousands of people need transfusions to survive. Become a blood donor as soon as possible.
