How Houston's Hispanic Donors Hold the Key to Saving Lives
Here in Houston, we’re proud of our diversity—it’s what makes this city so vibrant. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to recognize that this diversity isn’t just a point of pride—it’s essential, especially when it comes to blood donations. Hispanic donors play an important role in keeping our blood supply stable and ensuring that lifesaving blood is available when it’s needed most. But the reality is, we need more Hispanic donors to step forward and make an even greater impact.
Did you know that all blood types are needed to support patients in our community, and some, like O-positive, which is more common among Hispanics, are especially in high demand in hospitals? That means when you donate, you’re not just helping one person—you’re potentially saving multiple lives, especially in emergencies.
Take Betzy, for example. A Houston native and Vanderbilt student, Betzy was diagnosed with cancer at 18. During her treatment, she depended on blood transfusions to keep fighting. Now, facing a relapse, she’s once again receiving treatment and blood transfusions to help her in her battle.
“Blood donors are the quiet heroes,” Betzy said. “You give patients like me a chance to keep fighting, and we can’t thank you enough for that.”
Stories like Betzy’s remind us just how important blood donations are—and how much they impact lives right here in the Greater Houston Area. For nearly 50 years, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has been providing lifesaving blood to over 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across the region. But we do more than collect blood. We also support cutting-edge medical research and offer health screenings for conditions like sickle cell trait, particularly in the African American community.
Our President and CEO, Nikhil Nayak, often emphasizes how crucial diversity is to our mission. “Our community’s strength is rooted in its diversity, and that diversity must be reflected in the blood supply that supports it,” he said. “The need for Hispanic donors has never been greater, and by stepping forward, you can directly impact lives right here in Houston.”
The numbers tell the story. More than 45% of the Greater Houston area’s population is Hispanic, but only about 20% of our blood donations come from Hispanic donors. That’s a gap we need to close. Donating blood is quick, easy, and safe. And just one donation can save up to three lives. Think about that—three lives. That could be your grandparents, your aunts and uncles, cousins, or even your parents.
Betzy summed it up perfectly: “If you’re on the fence about donating blood, just know that so many people need it every day. You can change a life—maybe even save one.”
Ready to make a difference? Schedule an appointment to donate blood! If you’re looking for an even greater way to make an impact, consider hosting a blood drive at your church, school, or workplace! We’d love to help—visit giveblood.org/hostablooddrive. Together, we can make sure Houston’s blood supply is as diverse as the community it serves. Let’s save lives—one donation at a time.