Over 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet fewer than 3% in Chicagoland actually do.  Less than 1% of these blood donations are from Hispanic donors.

Why are Hispanic blood donors needed? 45% of people in the U.S. have type O (+/-) blood.  Type O+ blood is the most common, most frequently used blood type. Type O- blood is the universal donor, since most anyone can accept it for a transfusion regardless of their blood type. These types are the first to run out during a blood shortage. 57% of the Hispanic population has type O (+/-) blood.

Though compatibility is not based on race, genetically similar blood is best for those who need repeated or large volumes of blood transfusions for various diseases and conditions as well as emergency treatments and surgeries. Blood that closely matches a patient's ethnicity is less likely
to be rejected by the patient and provides fewer risks for complications.

LifeSource presents a winning opportunity for all: Hispanic Churches, the Hispanic Community and Area Patients.

Hispanic Churches hosting blood drives between July 2007 and June 2008 will have the opportunity to an award based on total units collected and the number of blood drives hosted.

In order to qualify as a Hispanic Church, services must be conducted in Spanish. Blood drives can be held before, during and after services. They can also be held any day of the week!
 

For more information or to schedule your blood drives, please contact
LifeSource at 1-877-LIFESOURCE (1-877-543-3768)