Facts about Hispanics and Blood Donation

Facts about Hispanics & Blood Donation

Hispanics make up about 55 percent of STBTC’s service area.
Less than six percent of eligible San Antonio Hispanics donate blood.
A recent study by the University of Texas at Galveston showed that more than 50% of Hispanics may carry O type blood.
Because type O blood can be transfused to a patient of other blood types, Hispanics are in a position to save even more lives when they donate blood.
Hispanic patients with rare blood types are more likely to find the blood they require among donors of their ethnic race.
There is a general “lack of trust” in the Spanish speaking Hispanic Community regarding medicine.
Many non-English speaking Hispanics are hesitant to produce the required identification for blood donation (and corresponding computer entry).
Many myths are associated with Hispanic blood donations including: I’ll gain weight if I donate. I’ll become anemic. I have diabetes so I can’t donate. I am too old.
It is estimated that 15,000 donors drawn annually by STBTC do not speak English.


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