August 17, 2023. Gabby Balderas, Blood Collection Team Supervisor, at the American Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center in Burbank, CA. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the U.S. is a time for unity and appreciation of the diverse contributions and cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. By acknowledging achievements and values, this celebration reinforces the idea that diversity strengthens the nation and fosters a more inclusive society. This month Red Cross LA celebrates the contributions of four local Latinos.
By Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
“Spanish speaking blood donors often have a lot of questions and concerns” shares Gabriela “Gabby” Balderas, team supervisor for the American Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center in Burbank. “It’s important we communicate with them in their own language.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Gabby spent a great deal of her childhood with her grandparents on their ranch two hours from the capital. The time spent around her elders could explain her ability to ease apprehensions from senior blood donors, in addition to broader cultural myths around the blood donation process.
“I’ve heard people say they don’t want to donate as it will make them gain a lot of weight” Gabby mused.
“I don’t know where these ideas come from, but my goal is to help educate people on the benefits of blood donation. I tell people it is very safe to donate and it’s good for them too; their body will generate new blood and they will feel good for helping save a life.”
Donors even get a mini-physical at their appointment to ensure they are healthy enough to donate that day. With complete privacy and confidentiality, medical screeners check donors’ temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin beforehand.
As she nears her 14th year with Red Cross blood services, Gabby’s goal has always been and remains to take the best possibly care of donors.
“What blood donors do is important” says Gabby, “I want to make sure we take care of them and that we’re collecting the best and safest blood product possible.”
Gabby and her team must be doing something right, as she often sees donors return.
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/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.
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