By Lori Baker, Communications Volunteer 

Donating blood was something Karolina Peraza had always wanted to do, but the opportunity never quite presented itself. After joining the American Red Cross six months ago, she knew it was the perfect chance to finally begin.

As a proud Latina woman, it was incredibly meaningful to donate for the first time during Hispanic Heritage Month through the Red Cross “Los Donantes” campaign, Karolina said.

“It allowed me to help others and encourage the kind of community I grew up in. Knowing I can track where my donation goes makes me proud to be part of even the smallest difference,” said Karolina, who is the executive coordinator for Arizona New Mexico Region CEO Edgar Olivo.

In September, the Red Cross launched Los Donantes (“The Donors”), a blood donation campaign designed to inspire new donors from Arizona’s Latino community and strengthen the blood supply.

As part of the celebration, limited-edition Los Donantes T-shirts will be available at select blood drives to thank donors for their lifesaving contributions.

Blood donation is a powerful way for Hispanic and Latino communities to help bridge health equity gaps. While 57% of Hispanic individuals have blood type O, the most-needed blood type for emergencies and transfusions, less than 1% currently donate in Arizona.

Karolina donated her O positive blood for the first time on Sept. 17 during the kick-off of the Los Donantes campaign at the Central Arizona Chapter office.

“Having the opportunity to donate blood is such a meaningful experience. I feel grateful not only because it supports the mission of alleviating human suffering, but also because it allows me to give to those who cannot donate.

“I’m fortunate to have an incredible support system both in and out of the Red Cross.  My friends made the experience unforgettable — cheering me on and even holding my hand through the process,” she added.

Karolina encourages others to donate blood.

“It’s a selfless act and a way to give back to people you may never meet, who might need it more than you realize. The phlebotomists I worked with were kind, patient, and supportive every step of the way, so you’re never alone. There’s also a wonderful sense of knowing your donation could save a life — who wouldn’t want to be part of something so meaningful?”

It's the blood on the shelves that saves lives in an emergency and helps ensure patients battling chronic illnesses like cancer have the strength to keep fighting.

Approximately one in three Hispanics will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Many of these patients will require blood products in the fight to beat cancer. A quarter of the U.S. blood supply is used to help treat cancer patients — more than any other disease type.

Community members are encouraged to use the sponsor code, losdonantes, when searching for nearby blood drives at redcrossblood.org to make an appointment, which also can be scheduled by downloading the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.