Media Contact: Mike Sagara
(520) 403-7408 | aznmmedia@redcross.org

TUCSON, ARIZ (OCT 1, 2025) — As Hispanic Heritage Month reaches its midpoint (September 15 – October 15), the urgent need for Hispanic and Latino blood donors continues. Blood donation is a powerful way for Hispanic communities to help bridge health equity gaps, especially as type O blood — the most needed for emergencies and transfusions — is most common among Hispanics, yet underrepresented in donor pools.

In Arizona, while 57% of Hispanic individuals have type O blood, less than 1% currently donate. The Los Donantes campaign is working to change that by engaging the community in culturally meaningful ways and encouraging lifesaving donations.

“Blood from Hispanic donors is critical to meeting the needs of patients across the country,” said Edgar Olivo, Regional CEO. “We’re calling on our community to step up and give — not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, but year-round.”

The Hispanic community is the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., and more than half of Hispanics and Latinos have type O blood. Group O blood types are the most transfused because they can help nearly any patient, regardless of blood type. This makes Latino donors especially vital for treating trauma patients and others in emergencies.

As the Latino population grows, so does the need for type O blood. A diverse blood donor base is essential to ensuring equitable healthcare and meeting the transfusion needs of patients nationwide.

To schedule a blood donation go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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.