STBTC’s service area is 55% Hispanic. However, only about 43% of STBTC’s blood donors are Hispanic. On a national level less than 6% of eligible Latinos donate blood.

Donar Sangre es donar vida highlights the importance of Hispanic donors for the following reasons:

Unity - The majority of Hispanics are considered universal donors and are in a position to save more lives when they donate blood. Hispanics can also save or improve the lives of other Hispanics through tissue, cord blood and marrow donation.

Health - This campaign focuses on clarifying information about donating blood and communicating the benefits of blood donation. For example, when donating blood one receives points towards Wellness Rewards. Donors can redeem these points for health screenings which include Cholesterol: Lipid Profile, Diabetes Screening: Hemoglobin A1C, and PSA: Prostate Cancer. Points can also be transfer to someone over the age of 18 or donated to one of our partnering organizations so that others in our community can benefit from these screenings.

Action - The population of the 43 South Texas counties STBTC serves is mostly Hispanic. Increasing the level of Hispanic donors helps STBTC be better prepared to fulfill the needs of over 100 hospitals and clinics in the area. You can help by donating blood at these locations.