The Greater St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross is launching a new outreach effort focused on encouraging blood donation in the region’s Latino community and building greater awareness about the ongoing need for blood donors.
The initiative will run through June 30, 2026 and comes as the Red Cross prepares for the seasonal challenges that often affect blood donation in the months ahead. Spring travel, changing routines and the transition into summer can all make it harder to maintain a stable blood supply.
“Blood donation is an ongoing need, and it’s essential that the Red Cross continues finding new ways to connect with communities across the St. Louis region,” said Lakricia Cox, executive director of the Greater St. Louis Chapter of the Red Cross. “This work is about building awareness, encouraging participation, and helping people see blood donation as something that truly matters in their community, including through partnerships with Latino community leaders and organizations that help extend our reach.”
The Red Cross will use its facility in St. Peters, 252 Mid Rivers Center, as the anchor location for the initiative. It will have two blood drive events that will celebrate Latino culture, including music, soccer, food trucks, and more.
“Honoring the profound influence of mothers and the vibrant traditions of the Latino community, our first blood donation event is Mother’s Day weekend,” said Cox. “Mothers are the heartbeat of many families, and there is no more powerful way to honor their legacy of care than by giving the gift of life by donating blood.”
A Focus on Awareness and Participation
The new initiative is intended to help the Red Cross reach more Latino donors in St. Louis with messaging that feels familiar, relevant and community centered. Learn more about the initiative.
Nearly 60% of Hispanic and Latino people have type O-positive blood, making blood donation in these communities especially important. O-positive is the most transfused blood type and is compatible with about 85% of patients.
How to Donate
Blood donation appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O, A-negative and B-negative blood. O-negative, the universal blood type, is critical in emergencies. B-negative, found in less than 2% of the population, and A-negative, found in only 6%, are both rare. Patients with these blood types can only receive transfusions from donors with the same type or O-negative blood.
