Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 15, 2024) – Today marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, and the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is celebrating by recognizing the many Hispanic and Latino staff, volunteers, and donors who support the organization.

Just like the people we serve, the Red Cross is proud of our diverse workforce, which includes nearly 2,000 employees and over 14,000 volunteers who are Latino and Hispanic. These individuals, many of whom are bilingual, play an essential role to deliver care and comfort to all communities—from connecting families with disaster recovery resources to sharing vital preparedness information to empowering them with vital safety skills.

“The Red Cross of Southern Nevada continues to make strides in diversity so that staff and volunteers are a reflection of the community,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We also want to help ensure our Spanish-speaking communities are better prepared for disasters by providing the tools they need – in their language. And we need more volunteers and staff who speak Spanish to ensure all community members get the help they need.”

We also honor and recognize more than 168,000 self-identified Hispanic blood donors who help us ensure blood products are readily available for patients in need. Blood donations from the Latino and Hispanic communities are especially suited to meet the needs of patients across the country. Nearly 60% of Latinos have type O blood, the most requested and transfused blood type because it can be transfused to about 80% of patients.

About Hispanic Heritage Month
The 37th annual month-long observation was created to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of U.S. residents whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, and Central and South America. September 15 also marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

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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