Supplies of O negative blood are severely low in our community, says Blood Assurance, which is restricting shipments of O negative type blood to hospitals in the region until the supply rebounds. O negative blood donors are asked to donate as soon as they are eligible to give.
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 perent 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 rich in iron prior to donating. One donation can save three lives.
For more information about donating blood, eligibility, blood center locations or blood drives, call Blood Assurance at 800-962-0628 or go to www.BloodAssurance.org.
Source: Blood Assurance