Carmen Perez has been donating blood every 60 days since she was 18 – a total of 37 years. She knows the team members at WellSpan’s Apple Hill Blood Donor Center by name and appreciates their friendliness during her frequent visits.

“I realize that there is a shortage across the country right now and I want to help,” says Carmen, who is Puerto Rican and has family members who are Mexican and Dominican.

“If I can give my blood, I know I’m helping others survive.”

But there’s another reason Carmen frequently gives her blood, to help other community members who have the same cultural background.

“There’s an urgent need for more blood donors from communities who are disproportionately impacted by blood diseases, such as sickle cell disease,” says Steve LaCour, WellSpan’s laboratory supervisor. “There is often a need to order special blood from other blood banks across the country for patients who may be impacted.”

That’s why Steve and his team at the Apple Hill Blood Donation Center are organizing a special donation event during Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 23-27.

“Patients are less likely to have reactions to receiving blood from someone of the same heritage,” says Steve. “Our patient diversity is currently greater than donor diversity, so this event is a great way to create awareness about this specific need.”

Steve’s goal is to attract more donors to the blood drive this year, with 159 participants attending last year’s event. He and his team look forward to reaching people who may have never donated before.

Seven of his team members are also personally impacted by this event as they belong to the Hispanic community.

“Our team is very proud to offer the event again this year,” says Steve. “We are one of the only blood centers in the area that can communicate with Spanish-speaking donors, so we understand the importance of reaching these individuals to make a bigger impact overall.”

Maria Lugo has been working at the Blood Donor Center for more than 17 years. She is also Puerto Rican and proud to celebrate her Hispanic heritage.

She believes that being a phlebotomist is not just about drawing blood, but also building trust with each donor and making a positive impact. A blood donor herself, she wants to set a good example for others. “I know that through my donation, I can save a life,” says Maria.

Steve and his team once again designed T-shirts this year to promote the blood drive and use them as giveaways to donors. Blood Drive flyers have been mailed out and distributed at recent events to help attract blood donors from the Hispanic community. This year’s event will also be catered.

This blood drive specifically means a lot to Carmen. “I’m proud to do what I can for my Latino community members – we’re a family,” she says. “Seeing everyone come together for this event is very special and makes me so happy.”

While Carmen strives to donate as much as possible to help others, she recognizes that her blood type, O-positive, is in high demand and highly beneficial to the majority of the population.

She also hopes to set a good example for her 10 grandchildren. “It’s important to me because I know I’m contributing somehow and doing a good deed,” says Carmen. “It’s an honor to give blood so others can live longer. Life is too short.”

Interested in donating at the blood drive? Click here to register and don’t forget to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.