As we approach the holidays, area blood banks are asking for O-negative blood donors. Reporter Sara Snyder puts out the call…
Lifestream, the region’s blood bank, is in desperate need of O-negative blood, as there is insufficient supply to meet the demand of local hospitals. Only about 7 percent of the population has O-negative blood. Those with O-negative blood are known as “universal donors” as their blood can be accepted by all others, regardless of the recipient’s blood type. O-negative blood is especially critical in emergencies when there’s no time to determine the recipient’s blood type. However, when someone with O-negative blood needs a transfusion, their system can only accept O-negative blood. For the location and hours of LifeStream donor centers and mobile blood drives, call 800-879-4484.
O-NEGATIVE BLOOD DONORS NEEDED
