Latino community and the Red Cross unite to help meet the needs of all patients

The American Red Cross and the Latino community are partnering to increase blood donations from among the Hispanic population and ultimately help save lives during National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. 

About 60 percent of the Latino population has type O blood which is higher than all other ethnic backgrounds, creating a unique opportunity for Hispanic donors to give blood for hospital patients. Nationally only 45 percent of the population has type O blood. 

Type O negative blood can be transfused to any patient regardless of their blood type while Type O positive can be transfused to patients with positive blood types O, A, B and AB. Type O negative blood is often used for trauma patients in vehicular and other accidents with high volume blood loss. 

“I encourage everyone who is eligible to donate blood. You never know when it will be needed, and it might be you or a family member in need. Latinos have a great opportunity to make a difference in the available blood supply,” says Henry Guzman, a key leader of the initiative from the Latino community and a board member for the American Red Cross Greater Columbus Chapter. “Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time for Latinos and their friends to give blood as an expression of gratitude and generosity to the larger society,” he added.  

This collaboration between the Red Cross and the Latino community is designed to increase the awareness among Latinos of their unique opportunity to help hospital patients in need of transfusions. The initiative is intended to encourage businesses, organizations and communities to celebrate the contributions of the Latino population to the community. 

The need for blood is constant. The Red Cross and the Latino community are committed to helping maintain a safe and adequate blood supply. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.  

Hispanic Heritage Month Blood Donation Opportunities:

  • Saturday, Sept. 14 – Mexican Fiesta, Noon – 5 p.m., Bicentennial Park/Rich St.
  • Friday, Sept. 20 – Columbus Crew, 2:30 – 8:30 p.m., Crew Stadium
  • Wednesday, Sept 25 – Diversity Coalition at OSU, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mendenhall Laboratory
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9 – Empleos and Employment Diversity Latino Talent & Leadership Conference, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Columbus State Community College (Workforce Bldg.)

How to Donate Blood

To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. If you are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross

The Central Ohio Blood Services Region serves 27 counties, and needs 800 blood donors each day to meet patient needs in 41 hospitals.  The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org. 

 

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