Hispanic Heritage

We celebrate being a part of and having the privilege to serve such a dynamic and multi-cultural population. Each culture shares a history filled with unique traditions and customs. Another aspect shared in each culture is a set of genetic characteristics which results in an individual to be the best match for a patient in need of a blood transfusion.

In Texas, Hispanic Americans make up 40.2% (11.6 million) of the state’s population (29.1 million), according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Nationwide, Hispanic Americans constitute 18.9% (62.57 million) of the U.S. population (329.5 million).

Hispanics have the highest percentage of people that are blood type O, giving Hispanics the power to help most patients needing blood transfusions. Blood type O is essential to the blood supply as type O blood can be given not only to type O patients, but to any individual, making it the universal blood type. Blood type O negative is the only choice for premature babies and infants in the womb.

A closely matched blood product is needed for patients that require multiple transfusions, like those with sickle cell disease, which occurs in 1 of every 16,300 Hispanic births.

With the increased population growth, Hispanic Americans blood donors are important to maintaining a healthy blood supply.