By Maureen Zug

The local Philadelphia chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) visited the American Red Cross Spring Garden Campus on October 7 to tour the blood processing labs and discuss collaboration with the Red Cross on community health initiatives.  Although NAHN has a national Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Red Cross since 1993, this event is the result of recent conversations between the two local groups.  It is a highlight of the Red Cross’ local recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Professional Heritage of NAHN

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) represents more than 276,000 Hispanic nurses nationwide across more than 40 regional chapters. Its multifaceted framework centers on advancing professional development, promoting health equity, and supporting nursing education.

Dr. Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, a Panamanian American nurse, professor, and advocate, founded NAHN in 1975 to address underrepresentation of Hispanic nursing professionals and the lack of culturally competent care for Spanish-speaking communities.  When Dr. Murillo-Rohde’s attempts to establish a dedicated group with existing national nursing organizations failed, she and fellow Hispanic nurses founded an independent national association.

Today, NAHN operates nationwide local chapters, providing scholarships, professional development, policy advocacy, and community outreach aimed at reducing healthcare disparities affecting Hispanic populations.

Nationally Shared Initiatives with the Red Cross

• The “Los Donantes” Movement: A primary focal point of the current partnership is expanding blood donor awareness. Roughly 57% to 60% of Hispanic people possess type O blood, which is the most critical type needed for emergency trauma care and emergency transfusions. Local chapters, such as NAHN Phoenix, actively campaign using the sponsor code LOSDONANTES to diversify the blood supply.

• National Blood Shortage Relief: During recent severe dips in the national blood supply, NAHN integrated massive blood donation drives directly into their annual conventions, mobilizing trusted bilingual nurses to lead by example.

• Annual Conference Presence: The Red Cross serves as a major sponsor and key participant at NAHN annual events—including the recent July 2026 conference in Denver, Colorado. They collaborate closely on educational programming through platforms like the Latino Leadership Institute, focusing on disaster response and community mobilization. 

Philadelphia NAHN Chapter Discusses Community Partnership

Hosted by Senior Volunteer Specialist Ned Bloom and volunteers Toni Robisahw and LaVale Anderson, 11 nurses from the Philadelphia NAHN Chapter enjoyed a tour of the Spring Garden Campus.  Most notably, it’s the largest facility by square feet in the U.S. American Red Cross network. The nurses enjoyed a tour of the labs, which supply blood and specialized testing to many of the hospitals where they work. 

“It is heartwarming to connect with an organization which cares so many about their group,” commented Ned.  The NAHN chapter is based at Esperanza, a health center in North Philadelphia, in the heart of the “Centro de Oro” (aka “Golden Mile”).  Azucena Villalobos (Susi) is the current president of the chapter.

The Critical Need for Disaster Health Care Responders

Ned gave a “Red Cross and You” presentation geared toward the need for disaster health care professionals.  The Red Cross is actively seeking licensed nurses, doctors, EMTs and other health care professionals to train as disaster responders.  Along with their experience and Red Cross training, they will provide health assessments and first aid on disaster responses and in shelters during disaster events. As an added bonus, Red Cross training counts toward Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which are required for ongoing professional licensing.

With Spanish language health and safety flyers and online resources, the Red Cross can supply additional materials to NAHN for their community outreach initiatives.  The future looks bright for this ongoing collaboration in service to our Philadelphia Spanish-speaking communities!

!Se necesitan voluntarios bilingües en inglés y español!