Blood Assurance is pleading for the public’s help as the supply of O-negative blood has reached dangerously low levels.
On Wednesday morning, the nonprofit, which provides blood to multiple hospitals around the region, had only a half day’s supply of O-negative blood on hand.
Officials with the community blood bank are urging those with O-negative blood to schedule an appointment immediately. Individuals with O-negative blood are universal donors, meaning their blood can be given to anyone.
Those who donate now through Thursday will be automatically entered into the Spring Break $500 Gift Card Giveaway. The winner will be notified via phone at the beginning of March. Those who donate March 1-17 will receive a ‘Happy Go Lucky’ T-shirt while supplies last.
To schedule an appointment, please visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.
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. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.