Red Cross seeks O negative blood donors

VW independent/submitted information

The American Red Cross has a significant need for type O negative blood donors to donate blood for patients.

Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is often used in emergency situations. While less than 7 percent of the U.S. population has O negative blood, hospitals depend on frequent O negative donations to ensure it’s always available for patients in need.

Eligible donors with type O negative blood are encouraged to make a whole blood or double red cell donation, where available, through the Red Cross. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

“Type O negative donors are an important part of the Red Cross trauma team,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “While all blood types are needed, type O negative donations are necessary in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Because there is such a high demand for type O negative blood, O negative donors are needed to donate often.”

Blood donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 800.733.2767.

Because of generous donors, the Red Cross is able to provide blood products to trauma patients like Carla Randecker. In 1995, a semi-tractor-trailer truck failed to halt at a stop sign, changing Randecker’s life forever. She suffered a broken neck and femur and woke from surgery to see a bag of blood attached to her IV.

“I’m O negative, a rarity,” said Randecker. “All I remember was, ‘wow, someone gave their blood for me’. I made a promise that day to do the same. When I was well enough, I’d return the favor.”

Randecker became a regular blood donor and gave for many years. This past year, her family fulfilled her wish to give blood together. Five family members who gave were type O negative, and, since then, donating blood has become a family tradition.

“If I teach them nothing else, it’s that they should always, always, do for others,” said Randecker.

The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. Blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

Those who come to donate now through May 15 will be entered to win four single-day tickets to any of 10 Cedar Fair theme parks in the U.S. For a full list of participating parks, visit redcross.cedarfair.com.

The Van Wert County Hospital Wellness Center on Fox Road will host a bloodmobile from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, March 25.

Those at least 17 years of age or older who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health may be eligible to donate blood. Prospective donors should bring a form of identification such as a donor card or driver’s license. Those age 16 may also donate blood with parental consent. Forms to be filled out in advance are available at the Red Cross Office, 1220 E. Lincoln Highway.

Call 1.800.733.2767 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome.