Calling all donors: American Red Cross says Type O negative blood in short supply

According to the American Red Cross, the supply of Type O negative blood has dropped to critically low levels.

Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Donors of Type O negative blood are needed to help prevent the fragile Type O negative blood supply from reaching a crisis level, according to a news release.

"While all blood types are needed during the critical summer months, we urge those eligible donors with O negative blood type to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer," American Red Cross Central Plains Region Interim CEO Terri Dunaway said in the release.

Dunaway said donors can "make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a summer shortage."

An upcoming American Red Cross Community Blood Drive will be available to local residents from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The Central Plains Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to more than 100 hospitals throughout Kansas and northern Oklahoma, and must have about 450 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses, receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source, according to the American Red Cross.

To donate blood, call (800) 733-2767, or visit the American Red Cross website, www.redcrossblood.org, to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.

All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply, but donors of Type O negative blood are especially needed at this time. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years of age, or 16 years of age in Kansas with a completed parental consent form. New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19 years of age, according to the American Red Cross.