O Negative Blood is Critically Needed in the Local Area

A decline in donations during the holidays results in a shortage of blood supply in the local area.

Lifeshare Blood Center is asking for help:

A decrease in blood donors following the winter holidays has resulted in an immediate need for O negative blood donors in order to continue to avoid a critical situation.

“We are experiencing an O negative blood shortage, which has the capability to become critical before the end of the week. The extreme weather predicted adds another layer of concern, underscoring the immediate need for O negative donors to provide for patient needs through the week,” says Tina Hooper, spokesperson for LifeShare Blood Centers.

People who are eligible to give blood and know they have an O negative blood type are needed immediately. Persons who are unaware of their blood type are also being asked to donate now, as it will be tested upon collection. Donations of all blood types are needed to replenish consistent patient use.

O negative is the universal donor, meaning that all blood types can receive O negative blood. O negative blood is needed for transfusions where the patient’s blood type is not known or is O negative. Blood transfusions are a part of many life-saving treatments, including those for trauma incidents, blood disorders, and cancer among many others.

The following LifeShare Blood Centers’ locations are open for blood donations along with several mobile blood drives in the area. To locate a mobile blood drive, make an appointment, or for more information call your nearest center or go to www.lifeshare.org.