Arizona hospitals, collection groups call for more diverse blood donors

PHOENIX – Arizona's blood supply is in crisis. For minority patients, the shortage is even more severe.

Corina Chick sat in a reclined chair during a community blood drive at Cesar Chavez Library, her arm stretched out as a needle drew a pint of blood. A Red Cross nurse taped the clear plastic tubing in place while Chick, a registered nurse herself, explained why she had taken time from her day.

“It’s important that we practice what we preach. As Latinas and Latinos, we do not typically donate,” Chick said. She tugged down the hem of her shirt, revealing a festive illustration of a Hispanic couple printed across the fabric.

For many regular blood recipients, survival can depend on finding a blood donor from a similar racial or ethnic background.

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