Why I Chose to Donate Blood
I’ve now donated more than three gallons of O-positive blood through OneBlood. And every single time I do, I think about my sister.
Years ago, during her pregnancy with her second child, complications sent her to the hospital more than once. Each time, she required a blood transfusion to stabilize her and protect her unborn baby. Watching someone I love rely on the generosity of strangers was both terrifying and eye-opening. That experience changed me. It made blood donation personal.
The Need for Hispanic Blood Donors
Since then, I’ve made it a regular part of my life. And here’s what I’ve learned: while Hispanics represent a growing percentage of the U.S. population, fewer than 5% of us donate blood. That’s a sobering statistic, especially when you consider that the majority of Hispanic individuals are Type O, the most requested blood type in emergencies.
While O-negative is the universal donor, O-positive, my blood type, is far more common and just as critical in trauma situations, particularly for patients who share the same blood type. It’s not just helpful…it’s essential.
