DENVER, Colo. (Sept. 29, 2025) – Last Friday, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Red Cross of Colorado was proud to launch the "Los Donantes” (The Donors) blood donation campaign, a culturally resonant initiative aimed at increasing blood donations within Denver's Latino community.
The Los Donantes campaign combines the cherished tradition of lotería with the lifesaving act of blood donation. Featuring lotería-style cards that celebrate real Latino blood donors as community heroes, the campaign highlights the crucial role of Los Donantes in saving lives.
The launch event featured live mariachi music and guest speakers:
"We're excited to launch Los Donantes, Denver's first Red Cross campaign created to celebrate and mobilize our Hispanic community to donate blood during Hispanic Heritage Month," Landaveri said. "Los Donantes is about more than donating blood. It's about familia, comunidad, y orgullo cultural. It's about coming together as a community to support one another and showing that our traditions can inspire lifesaving action."
Hispanics and Latinos can contribute to bridging health disparities through blood donation, as 60% of this community has blood type O+, which is the most in-demand blood type among those in need of transfusion.
"When members of our community donate, we help ensure that all patients regardless of background have access to the blood they need, helping close gaps in health equity," Nuñez said.
Los Donantes will run until October 15. The campaign's vibrant imagery, inspired by traditional Mexican lotería cards, features two blood donors in a lotería card, bringing a playful and relatable touch to the serious message of the importance of blood donation. Colorful, branded t-shirts displaying "Los Donantes" will be available at select locations for those who donate during Hispanic Heritage Month.
"To all the leaders here today, this is your invitation," Ferrufino said. "Please consider what it would mean for your organization to host a blood drive. Imagine the lives saved, the families supported and the health of our city strengthened."
To host a blood drive or schedule a blood donation appointment, visit redcrossblood.org, or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
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For more information about the campaign or to schedule an interview, please contact Catie Ballenger at 970-261-6282 or Caitlin.ballenger@redcross.org
Click here for b-roll and photos for the event.
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.
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