Type O blood in short supply; donors needed
There is a national shortage of type O blood, and nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is urging individuals, especially those with type O blood, to make appointments to donate.
Since May, the type O blood supply has dropped to a two-year low. Type O blood is always in demand, since O-negative blood works with any patient and O-positive blood can be used for anyone with a positive blood type.
“Type O blood is always in high demand because it’s the most versatile and frequently used blood type for transfusions,” according to Amie Rawson, Vitalant’s senior vice president for donor services. “Additionally, patients with type O-positive blood make up about 39% of the population, but they can only receive type O blood.”
Rawson noted that when there is a shortage, doctors may be left to decide who can receive it immediately and who can wait, so “maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is essential to ensure every patient gets the blood they need…”
Those interested in donating blood can go online to vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).