Despite not liking needles, Barbara Mariscal donates blood because she understands the lifesaving importance of a vibrant blood supply, especially from members of the Latino community. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.
By Chloe Kenney / American Red Cross
Throughout her ten years as a member of the Red Cross workforce, Barbara Mariscal witnessed the importance of blood donations time and time again, but the Monterey Park shooting in January of 2023 – a horrific disaster that utilized the Red Cross blood bank – demonstrated why blood donations are so critical, especially from Type O donors.
During an emergency there isn’t always time to screen for a patient's blood type, forcing medical personnel to reach for Type O blood. Since O negative is the universal donor, it can be given to anyone, while O positive is the most common blood type and relied on heavily by hospitals and trauma centers.
For these reasons, donations from the Latino community are highly sought after, as 57% of the Latino population has Type O blood (compared to 51% of African American and 45% of Caucasian populations). Consequently, the Red Cross has a nation-wide Latino blood donor campaign to increase Latino contributions and bank more Type O blood.
A Latina herself, Mariscal recently donated in support of the Latino blood donor campaign. Though terrified of needles, Mariscal still donates – always in the company of a friend for support and distraction.
Mariscal wants fellow Latinos to know that donating blood is a relatively easy process and a great way to give back to their community. The donation process includes a health screening that can take up to 30 minutes, while the donation itself takes only about 10 minutes, followed by a 10–15-minute rest period where juice boxes and a wide selection of snacks are provided for free. Donors can also track their donation with the Red Cross blood app from a smartphone.
"The Red Cross values all blood donors and donations" said Mariscal, "but Latinos should remember that their blood is particularly valuable."
For more information on how to donate blood please visit redcross.org/give-blood.
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/la.
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