ImpactLife, with blood donation centers in Davenport and Moline, is recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) by highlighting the importance of blood donation by members of Latino and Hispanic communities.
In a news release, ImpactLife said nearly 60% of Latinos have the type O blood type – the “universal” type that can be transfused to all other blood types. For this reason, type O red blood cells are frequently used in emergency situations, which often leads to critically low blood inventory levels for O-positive and O-negative blood.
In addition, genetic conditions such as Sickle Cell and Thalassemia disproportionately affect African-American and Hispanic communities. Recruiting a diverse donor base that matches the diversity of patient needs helps ensure the availability of appropriately matched red blood cells for patients with these genetically inherited conditions, the release said.
“As a medical student interested in trauma surgery, I’ve been able to see firsthand the incredible impact that a blood donor has on patients in the emergency room,” said Jorge Silva, an ImpactLife associate board member and medical student at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
View or download an interview with Jorge Silva in Spanish (view on YouTube / download .mp4) or English (view on YouTube / download .mp4).
To schedule an appointment for donation, call (800) 747-5401, text 999-777, or schedule online at bloodcenter.org, or via the Blood Center’s mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).
In addition, ImpactLife is continuing with special Donor Rewards through the end of September. All presenting donors will receive a voucher to redeem for an electronic gift card, bonus points to use in the Donor Rewards Store, or an equivalent value donation to Make-A-Wish chapters in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin (see www.bloodcenter.org/goodgiving). The value depends on the donor’s planned donation procedure and location.
Here’s a look at the rewards:
- Whole Blood (Mobile Blood Drives): $20 gift card OR donation or 1,000 points.
- New donors (Whole Blood Donor Centers): $30 gift card or donation or 2,000 points.
- Double Reds and Plasma Only (Mobile Blood Drives): $25 gift card or donation or 1,500 points.
- New double reds (donor centers): $35 gift card or donation or 2,500 points.
- New 3+ times platelets (all locations): $35 gift card or donation or 2,500 points.
- New first and second time platelets (all locations): $60 gift card or donation or 5,000 points.
To learn more about ImpactLife donor promotions, see www.bloodcenter.org/now.
