Visita nuestra nueva página web en español aquí.
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as we pay tribute to the incredible Hispanic donors, volunteers, employees, and partners who wholeheartedly commit to our life-saving mission. Together, we are impacting countless lives in our community, and during this celebration, we honor and recognize the Hispanic community's vital role in shaping a more diverse blood supply.
From September 15th to October 15th, we invite you to be part of this heartfelt celebration. Whether you donate blood or host a blood drive, your involvement makes a difference. Let's unite to honor our heritage, support our community, and save lives. Together, we create a legacy that embodies the true spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Save lives at one of out our special blood drives:
Click here to find more locations to donate blood near you!
September 25, 2023
Houston Gateway Academy
Schedule your appointment: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - Donor Portal (commitforlife.org)
October 1, 2023
Lakewood Church
(Hispanic Festival from noon to 5:00 p.m., along with the blood drive)
Schedule your appointment: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - Donor Portal (commitforlife.org)
Magnolia Park Community Church
Schedule your appointment: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - Donor Portal (commitforlife.org)
October 8, 2023
Christ The Good Sheppard
Schedule your appointment: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - Donor Portal (commitforlife.org)
St. Mary Catholic – Cleveland
Schedule your appointment: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - Donor Portal (commitforlife.org)
History
Since its inception in 1968, National Hispanic Heritage Month has evolved from a week-long celebration to a full month of recognizing Hispanic Americans' remarkable histories, cultures, and contributions. It was Texas-native President George H. W. Bush who, in 1989, officially extended the celebration to span from September 15th to October 15th. This significant time allows us to acknowledge the ancestral roots that connect us to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Our Community
Houston stands proud as home to one of the nation's most vibrant Hispanic populations, where approximately 2.2 million individuals of Hispanic descent create a community of diversity and unity. Nearly 60 percent of this community carries the universal Type O blood, a crucial resource that hospitals frequently require to treat a wide spectrum of patients, from trauma victims to premature babies.
Approximately 19.5 percent of all blood donations come from donors who belong to racial or ethnic minorities. This underscores the urgent need for a diverse blood supply to best serve the needs of patients in our community.
Other Resources:
For our Spanish-speaking community members, we also offer information HERE.