Why Latino Blood Donors Are Vital To The Blood Supply
Why Latino Blood Donors Are Vital To The Blood Supply
Did you know that donations from the Latino community are crucial for treating trauma patients and those needing emergency blood transfusions? This is because over half of all Latinos in the US have type O blood, which is often in high demand in medical emergencies, but less than 5% of the Hispanic population actually donates blood.
Type O blood is in high demand because it's often needed in emergencies. Type O negative can be given to patients of any blood type, making it essential when there's no time to check the patient's blood type. O positive is also the most transfused type in trauma situations, making both types critical during shortages.
The Red Cross is currently facing a shortage of 20,000 units of blood, with a high demand for type O blood. Because of this shortage, they are urging more Latinos to donate to help meet this demand.
Here's why this is important:
O+ blood is the most common blood type: 53% of Latinos are are O+, compared to 47% of Black Americans, 37% of white Americans, and 39% of Asian Americans.
Blood donations slow down during summer: Yet, every two seconds, someone in the US needs blood or platelets.
Daily blood needs in the US: About 29,000 units of red blood cells, nearly 5,000 units of platelets, and 6,500 units of plasma are needed.
Who needs blood transfusions?: One in seven hospital patients, including those undergoing organ transplants, suffering from traumatic injuries, experiencing complicated childbirth, or receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell disease.
It’s easy to see why these crucial blood types are often the first to reach shortage levels and why Latino donors are needed. Lives are saved when blood is donated, but some people won’t understand until they’re the one who needs blood. Blood donations and conversations surrounding it need to have a bigger presence in our community.