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Florida's Blood Centers Looking For Hispanic Donors

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 10:23:13 AM
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Hispanic donors needed

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Florida's Blood Centers is in need of blood, and they especially want donors of Hispanic descent.

The blood type needed the most is Type O, which is predominant in Hispanics.

When News 13 dropped by the blood center around 9 a.m. Monday, the shelves had plenty of O-positive and A blood types, but not much of O-negative.

"We really can't keep enough blood supply on hand, and the reason O-negative is so needed is because it's the Universal Donor Type blood," said Pat Michaels, of Florida's Blood Centers.

"(We want) the Hispanic community to know that and understand that their blood is gold, and it's a way to give back to the community," said Millie Irizarry, of Florida's Blood Centers.

Florida's Blood Centers is using media campaigns to raise awareness of the need for more Hispanic donors. The campaigns include an ad with an image of salsa singer Tito Nieves saying "Thanks for giving."

The blood center even has a big red bus -- dubbe the Autobus Rojo -- sporting the slogan, "Nuestras Banco de Sangre," which means, "Our Blood Bank."

Realistically, Florida's Blood Centers needs everyone to donate. They can keep blood at the center for about 42 days, but right now they only have about a two-day supply.

"I thought I'd pass out, but I didn't," said Kashia Dorce, who was the only person giving blood when News 13 was there Monday morning.

Dorce said people shouldn't let fear keep them from giving blood.

"Just think of it as a positive thing. If you focus on the positive, you go along with everything," Dorce said.

Workers at the blood center say that if everyone did that -- and now, especially Hispanics -- they could say "adios" to a shortage.

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