By Reynaldo Vega, American Red Cross Disaster Program Manager

I recently donated blood with the American Red Cross for the first time.

As a first-time donor, I couldn’t help but feel proud as I approached the check-in counter. I’ve always enjoyed helping people and felt pretty good about my decision to donate. I even walked into the Red Cross donation center at 4700 Mt. Hope Drive in Baltimore like I’d been there before. I quickly realized I didn’t know where to register, but the staff — Nikia, Jamira and Marisha—quickly noticed and assisted me with a smile. I’d like to share my journey here in hopes that it alleviates some of the concerns people may have about donating blood.

I have been encouraged to donate blood by colleagues and friends for the last year. A couple of weeks ago, I downloaded the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Over the last year, I have learned much about the importance of donating blood and its potential to save lives. Statistics show that one in three Hispanics are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and may need blood transfusions. Notably, the Red Cross supplies roughly 40% of the United States blood supply, and approximately 57% of the Latino population has type O blood, the most transfused type.

I have always taken pride in representing my culture and helping those around me, so I felt the time had come to donate blood. The Blood Donor App quickly let me know where the closest donation center was located and allowed me to set my appointment. Initially, I was concerned about time constraints due to the busy nature of my position as a disaster program manager for the Red Cross. I was pleased to find that the process took less than an hour to complete.

I was able to answer the intake questionnaire on my app and complete my RapidPass, which allowed me to move directly to have my iron, blood pressure and pulse checked prior to my donation. The actual time to donate was about 15 minutes! Despite the presence of medical equipment, the staff was so friendly that I forgot I was in a donor center.

There is a constant need for blood, and it is crucial for Latinos to be involved in blood donations to assist patients in need. Blood cannot be stored indefinitely, underscoring the importance of ongoing donations. As I consider the families of patients in need, I am reminded of the urgency of this cause.

I urge everyone, especially my Latino community, to make appointments to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org and give back to those in need. I also extend a warm and special thank you to the Baltimore blood donor center staff who were amazing and even agreed to take a photo with me. I encourage everyone to donate and share their story.

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The need for blood is constant. Blood donations to the Red Cross help ensure new moms, premature babies, cancer patients and accident victims have access to safe, lifesaving blood.

Schedule an appointment to donate today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

Questions about eligibility? See RedCrossBlood.org/eligibility.