The American Red Cross is seeking donations of Type O negative and Type B negative blood as the supply drops to critically low levels.
Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Donors are needed to prevent the blood supply from declining further.
“The American Red Cross is extending Blood Drive hours and reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to help recruit Type O negative and Type B negative blood donations to help make up for this shortfall,” said Sara O’Brien, American Red Cross Blood Services spokeswoman.
A shortage of negative blood often occurs during summer months when fewer donors are available because of vacations and schools host fewer drives.
“While all blood types are needed during the summer months, we urge those eligible donors with O negative or B negative blood types to make and keep appointments to give blood in the upcoming days to help restore the inventory level,” O’Brien said.
Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, according to Red Cross representatives. The Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region provides blood to 30 hospitals. It requires 300 blood donors each weekday to meet that demand. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle-cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses, receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
Individuals 17 years of age and older – 16 with parental permission in some states – who meet weight and height requirements and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of ID when you donate.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (800) 733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.
