Red Cross Seeks Type O Blood Donors

From the American Red Cross  - The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors with Type O blood to make an appointment to give now to help ensure there are blood products available for patients in need.

The local blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March 16, at Eden Medical Center San Leandro Campus, 13855 E.14th St., San Leandro.

Approximately 48 percent of the population in the United States has Type O blood. There must always be enough Type O blood on hand to meet their needs, as well as the needs of patients who may receive Type O in an emergency. Type O Negative blood is considered universal and can be transfused to anyone in emergency situations when doctors don’t have time to get the patient’s blood type. 

All blood types are needed.  However, there is a particular need at this time for Type O donors to give blood as soon as possible to help ensure an adequate supply is available for those who need it.

If someone would like to give blood, they must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health.  Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID with them.

Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. 44,000 blood donations are needed every day to help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many others.

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