The New York Blood Center is urging local Hispanics to donate blood, as they say there is a massive shortage in the Hispanic community.

Organizers say it's the compatibility of blood between Hispanics that can help to decrease the risk of blood diseases that are common in Latinos.

"If there is a Hispanic person that needs help or needs a blood transfusion, blood from another Hispanic is going to match that person's blood precisely," says Leslie Gonzalez, who works at the New York Blood Center.

During the blood drive Saturday, only six people donated by noon.

"As a doctor, it's a horrible position to be in. To know that there's a shortage and that you can't give to everyone who needs it," says donor Heather Herrington.