Red Cross short of O-negative blood

Van Wert independent/Red Cross information

The supply of type O negative blood at the local American Red Cross has dropped to critical levels in recent days, as winter weather has canceled blood drives and prevented potential donors from safely traveling to give blood.  Eligible donors with type O negative blood are especially needed now.

Currently the local Red Cross is not able to fully fill requests from hospitals for type O negative, and is moving blood among hospitals to where it is needed most while supplies are critically low.

Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it is the universal type, and it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.  Since the beginning of December winter weather has negatively affected blood donations despite many donor recruitment efforts.

“While all blood types are needed on an ongoing basis, we urge those who know they are type O negative to make and keep appointments to give blood as soon as possible,” said Dr. Claire Meena-Leist, Medical Director of the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “Your donation could help save the life of someone’s child, mother, brother or friend. When you come to give, you help make everyday medical treatments possible.”

Recent winter weather has forced the cancellation of hundreds of Red Cross blood drives in the Midwest and Eastern parts of the country, causing a shortfall of more than 8,000 blood donations. Last week in the Indiana-Ohio region, four blood drives were canceled, resulting in a shortfall of more than 227 pints of blood. In addition, inclement weather has caused low donor turnout at many drives that were held. Because of this there is also a particular need for type A negative and B negative donors.

The Red Cross is working to boost all blood donations, but especially type O negative donations by alerting current donors in their system through emails, phone calls and post cards. Donors of all types are needed year-round. For those who don’t know their blood type, giving blood is a great way to find out.

As an added bonus, come to donate until January 31 and be entered into a weekly regionwide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card.

To schedule an appointment or find a blood donation site in the area, go to redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767) for additional information.

Upcoming Red Cross blood drives in the area:

Tuesday, January 25, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Crestview High School gymnasium, located at 531 E. Tully St. in Convoy.