O negative blood donors needed immediately
May 31, 2022
O negative blood donors are needed immediately to help The Community Blood Center (CBC) stabilize its O negative blood inventory. Currently, the supply is dangerously low. Healthy and eligible community members are urged to schedule a blood donation today and in the next week.
While all blood types are incredibly important, Type O negative blood is often used in emergency situations when the patient’s blood type is unknown. This is because anyone can receive O negative blood, regardless of blood type (but those with O negative blood can only receive O negative blood). The challenge is that only 9% of the population has O negative blood. It is crucial we have enough blood on our shelves to meet the needs of O negative patients and patients whose blood type is not yet known during an emergency.
“A hospital patient may need dozens of units of blood in an emergency,” said John Hagins, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Community Blood Center. “Many times, a blood transfusion is needed immediately for a patient to survive. When there isn’t time to check the patient’s blood type, a hospital will rely on a blood donation from an O negative blood donor. O negative blood donors are universal blood donors, meaning that their blood donation can meet the need of a patient of any blood type. As such, it is vital to have a stable and adequate supply of O negative blood available for unexpected situations. Right now, we only have about 25% of our desired inventory level. We need blood donors to step forward and ensure that blood is available. You can never predict when it might be needed.”
This plea comes one week after a local emergency depleted CBC’s Type A and O blood supply to concerningly low levels. The inventory has still not recovered as we enter one of the most challenging times of the year for blood collection.
For every person who presents to donate between now and June 12, CBC will make a monetary donation to help provide blood collection supplies for Ukraine. CBC is one of several blood centers across the nation participating in this campaign. Learn more here.