The American Red Cross blood donations account for nearly 40% of the nation’s blood supply. Currently, the organization reports what they call an emergency shortage. Leaders with the nonprofit said supply fell nearly 25% in June, so they are urging North Texans to help. The shortage is e specially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. Alexis Gonzalez works with the Red Cross North Texas Region and she knows firsthand the importance of blood donation. Gonzalez scheduled her first donation in December 2023 and has been a blood donor and advocate ever since. “When I started with the Red Cross, I was sharing information about the donation process but had not given blood myself,” Gonzalez said. “I thought to myself, ‘If I’m going to share this information, I should know what it’s like.’” As she advanced in her role with the Red Cross, she learned about the health disparities affecting the Hispanic/Latino population. According to the Red Cross, Latinos play a critical role in helping patients in need of lifesaving blood products. One in seven patients hospitalized l in the U.S. will need blood products. “As a Latina, I realized I had the opportunity to educate my community about why their blood is so needed and that the donation process is safe. Part of that education involved dispelling common myths we grew up with,” Gonzalez said. “Through my own blood donation experiences, I can empower them to use their superpower [their blood] to save lives.” But in 2025, she found herself on the other side of blood donation. Gonzalez woke up in excruciating pain radiating from her stomach and the symptoms lasted for days. She eventually went to the hospital and doctors discovered that she had three blood clots in the veins connecting to her liver as well as severe anemia. “Because I was a blood donor, I knew my blood type and confidently told the staff I was B positive. That’s because the Red Cross lets you know your blood type after your first donation, and you can easily see it in the Blood Donor App,” Gonzalez said. While Gonzalez is currently unable to donate, she is now empowered to share her story to inspire others to roll up their sleeves and save lives. In addition to our mobile blood drives throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, residents can always donate at our fixed donation centers: Irving Blood and Platelet Donation Center 2511 W. Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway Monday and Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Plano Blood and Platelet Donation Center 741 N. US-75, Suite 1000 Monday and Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. All who give July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15  ticket price and fees).  ...read more read less