Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and that diversity is critical to saving lives. As the 4th largest city in the U.S., more than 145 languages are spoken here, and the Texas Medical Center welcomes over 7.2 million visitors each year for advanced care.
Gulf Coast Blood is the sole provider of blood for the Greater Houston area and 26 surrounding counties, supporting more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities. To meet the daily need for approximately 1,000 blood donations, we rely on donors from every background. A diverse blood supply ensures patients receive the safest and most compatible transfusions.
African American Donors
· Fewer than 3% of blood donors are African American, even though they make up 13% of the U.S. population (and 23% in Houston).
· African American donors are more likely to have blood types that closely match sickle cell patients, helping provide safer transfusions and reduce complications.
· Shared heritage means better matches for patients with rare blood variants, especially those requiring long-term transfusion support.
Hispanic Donors
· Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, but only a small percentage currently donate blood.
· Around 60% of the Hispanic population has type O blood—the most requested by hospitals for trauma victims, newborns, and emergency care.
· Hispanic donors may carry unique blood variants that can be lifesaving for others with the same rare type.
· Shared heritage increases the chance of finding compatible matches for patients in need.
How You Can Help
Your community needs you. Schedule your donation at one of our neighborhood centers or local blood drives. Your blood could be the lifesaving match for someone. Together, African American and Hispanic donors can ensure patients receive the safe, compatible transfusions they deserve.