The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) marked its 50th anniversary with its annual conference, held in North Texas in July. The conference celebrated five decades of advocacy, education, and leadership. This year’s milestone event was made even more impactful through a historic partnership with the American Red Cross, which aimed to expand community outreach and health awareness across the United States.

“We look forward to growing our partnership with the Red Cross in our shared mission of promoting health education within our Hispanic communities,” said NAHN President Veronica Vital, PhD, MSN, MLS, RN. “Through this partnership, we can empower our communities to donate blood and save lives.”

Hospitals across the U.S. face a persistent need for type O blood – needed for emergency situations, trauma care, and when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. 57% of Latinos have type O (positive or negative) blood, making this community critical for:

• Ensuring hospitals can respond immediately to trauma situations
• Supporting patients undergoing surgeries where significant blood loss may occur
• Providing lifesaving transfusions for patients with a range of blood types who can receive type O blood

Through the organization’s Latino Engagement efforts, the Red Cross is focusing on opportunities to engage and grow awareness in Latino communities about the critical role they play in helping patients.

The American Red Cross went “all-in” this year at the NAHN 2025 Annual Conference. The Red Cross sponsored a booth and a keynote speech by Medical Director Dr. Maribel Garcia Colon, emphasizing the urgent need for blood and the Public Health Initiative. As a trusted leader within the Latino community, NAHN hosted a successful blood drive, booking 30 appointments, including 17 first-time donors.

Red Cross teams—including Regional Donor Services Executive Brian Moeschler, Biomedical Staff, and Volunteer Services—were onsite to connect with NAHN members, distribute educational materials, and promote volunteer opportunities. From donor T-shirts to meaningful conversations, the booth buzzed with energy and passion for advocating for Hispanic communities.

Looking ahead, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses NAHN will host its 2026 Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado, where the Red Cross will be in attendance and continue its commitment to Latino engagement and health equity.

To learn more about the importance of blood donations or to schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.