Critical Need for O-negative Blood Donors
Donors strongly urged to give blood as soon as possible
TUPELO, MS— O-negative blood supplies are critically low and there’s an urgent need for blood donations. In response, Vitalant has issued a critical need for blood donations from O-negative donors. In emergency situations, doctors reach for type O-negative blood first. Only nine percent of the population has O-negative blood, making it imperative that all eligible donors donate on a regular basis.
Vitalant strives to have a 4-day supply of type O-negative blood on hand at all times. Currently we’re at a less than half that amount. Vitalant stresses regular blood donations to ensure an ample blood supply is always available when and where it is needed.
“With the holiday season upon us, it is imperative that all eligible blood donors donate,” says James Dugger, Division President for Vitalant’s Southeast and Southcentral divisions. “We typically see over a 20% decline in donations during the holiday season, however with increased travel and activity, the need for blood increases. I strongly encourage all blood donors, especially those with type O-negative blood, to give blood as soon as possible.”
Find a Vitalant donation location near you and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org or call 877-25VITAL. Walk ins are welcome.
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate. It’s at vitalant.org.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
Contact: Mitzi Breaux mbreaux@vitalant.org 337-298-9342
About Vitalant: Vitalant is the nation’s second largest community blood service provider, supplying comprehensive transfusion medicine services for nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states. Vitalant inspires local communities to serve the needs of others and transform lives through the selfless act of donating blood. Every day, almost 5,000 blood donations are needed to meet the needs of people throughout the country, and Vitalant’s 780,000 donors supply 1.8 million donations a year. In addition to blood products, Vitalant offers customers transfusion services, medical consulting, quality guidance, ongoing education, research and more. For more information and to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 (877-25VITAL). Join the conversation about impacting the lives of others on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. *United Blood Services and Lifeblood are now Vitalant*
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