Hispanic individuals have a special gift to give. As America’s largest growing ethnic group, about 60 percent of Hispanics have type O blood. During Hispanic Heritage Month the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean are celebrated. In that time the American Red Cross hopes to raise awareness of the need for type O blood donors and donors with diverse backgrounds.
“By far, Hispanics are the single largest group of people with type O blood,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “That represents a tremendous opportunity for this group of individuals to help build a safe and adequate blood supply for their family, friends and communities.”
Hospitals use type O negative blood in most emergency trauma cases when there is not enough time to determine a patient’s blood type. And while type O negative can be safely transfused to anyone, type O positive blood can be transfused to patients with positive blood types—or about 80 percent of the population. While all blood types are needed, Red Cross officials say there is a continuing need for donations from type O donors.
“In fact, more than half of all blood supplied to hospitals is type O,” said Whitman. “As our Hispanic population increases, so will the need for type O blood. We simply need more people of diverse backgrounds to become blood donors today.”
Blood type, like eye color, is an inherited trait. About 60 percent of the Hispanic population is type O, compared to 45 percent of Caucasians and 50 percent of African Americans. Hispanics currently make up 14 percent of the U.S. population at 42.7 million people. If you would like to join in the celebration, stop by a blood drive in your community and donate blood today.
Click here to see a list of upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in your area.
How to Donate Blood
Individuals who are at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission in some states), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Red Cross donor card or positive ID required. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or log on IndianaOhioRedCross.org for more information.
About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.