Supplies of O negative blood are severely low in the community. Blood Assurance is restricting shipments of O negative type blood to hospitals in our region until the supply rebounds. O negative blood donors are asked to donate as soon as they are eligible to give.
Demand for O negative blood from area hospitals has increased again this week. Currently only 10 type O negative units are available for patients at our local hospitals. Blood Assurance volunteer donors help patients in over seventy healthcare facilities in forty-seven counties in our region. Over 400 blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the healthcare facilities served by Blood Assurance.
O negative blood is known as the universal blood type because it can be given to patients in an emergency situation when their own blood type is unknown. Only 6.6% of the donor population has this blood type; however everyone can receive this type blood.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. The process usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a complimentary snack and t-shirt. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. Your one donation can save three lives.
For more information about donating blood, eligibility, blood center locations or blood drives, please call Blood Assurance at 800 962-0628 or go to www.BloodAssurance.org.