PHOENIX, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 — In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Red Cross of Arizona & New Mexico is proud to continue the Los Donantes (The Donors) blood donation campaign, an initiative aimed at increasing blood donations within Arizona’s Latino community.

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. The Los Donantes campaign seeks to change this by engaging the community in culturally meaningful ways and encouraging lifesaving donations.

“In leading blood collection efforts across Arizona, I see every day how vital blood donations are,” said Raul Figueroa, Donor Center Collections Manager, Arizona New Mexico. “The generosity of the Latino community plays a critical role in ensuring patients have the lifesaving blood they need.”

As part of the celebration, limited-edition Los Donantes T-shirts will be available at select blood drives to thank donors for their contributions. Community members are encouraged to use the sponsor code losdonantes when searching for nearby blood drives at redcrossblood.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.