Red Cross Issues Call for Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for most needed blood types as it says it faces a looming shortage.

According to a Red Cross press release this week, the agency needs eligible donors with O negative, B negative, and A negative blood to give now to prevent an emergency situation.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type, while Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross is also encouraging eligible donors to donate double red cells if it is an available process in their area. That is a process where two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

In addition, the Red Cross says that platelet donors and type AB blood donors are also being asked to donate to help ensure that those shelves are stocked for patients.

Red Cross officials say that summer can be among the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood and platelet donations, despite the fact that the need for blood does not take a summer break.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

For more information on donating blood or platelets to the American Red Cross, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcrossblood.org, or download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.