Marilyn Jimenez: Saving lives through Blood Donation

During this National Minority Health Month, the American Red Cross celebrates the efforts of all blood donors who join its mission to save lives. In the United States, someone needs blood every two seconds. Maintaining a well-stocked blood supply is essential for all patients, especially those suffering from chronic and acute conditions in underserved communities, to receive the blood they need when they need it.

GALLON DONOR Marilyn Jimenez recently reached a significant milestone as a blood donor—1 gallon!

Marilyn, who was born in Mexico and grew up between there and the United States, says that while Mexicans are very supportive and eager to help, there isn’t a strong culture of proactively donating blood unless a family member, acquaintance or neighbor has a specific need.

“In Mexico, I knew I had type O blood, but I didn’t know if I was positive or negative. Even though O-positive donors were often needed, I wasn’t encouraged to donate,” she shared.

LATINO COMMUNITIES AND TYPE O BLOOD That changed when Marilyn began working as a regional communicator for the Red Cross and became aware of the great need for blood nationwide, and the profound impact a donation can have on a patient. In the United States, someone needs blood every two seconds for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. In fact, a single car accident victim can require as many as100 units of blood.

“I realized that blood is needed long before a person goes into surgery or has an accident. Also, the need for blood is greater than the number of people who donate,” Marilyn said.

What struck her the most was learning that nearly 60% of people who are Latino have O-positive blood, the most transfused blood type and the one most lacking in the national blood supply. "Whenever I talk about this topic, especially during interviews in Spanish, and mention that more than half of the Latinos have type O blood, people, including the reporters, are always like, ‘Wow!’ I believe that many Latinos don’t realize the important role they play in maintaining the blood supply. It’s key for people to know that the blood we’re collecting can help save the lives of other Latinos,” she says.

Marilyn, who, like most Latinos, is type O-positive, says she loves following the journey of her donation, “I find it very rewarding to donate blood without knowing who will receive it or where it will go. I always check the Red Cross Blood Donor app to track the process. Last year, I donated platelets, and three units were distributed to three different hospitals. It was really cool to see that one donation helped three different people,” she added.

COME TOGETHER AND GIVE One of the things that stops some people from donating is the fear of needles, something Marilyn understands firsthand. She has decided to use her own fear as an opportunity to engage more people and support her community.

“I always invite someone to join me. Every time I donate, I bring a friend or co-worker along. I especially like to invite Latinos because I know it’s important for more Latinos to donate and participate in this special act of saving lives. It feels great to do this as a community and to help a stranger,” she said.

Schedule your blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation today.

When you come to give blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma in April, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners. Plus, come to give April 14-30, and you’ll get an exclusive American Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Find more information here.