Red Cross Issues Call For Blood

The American Red Cross is issuing a call for type O negative and AB blood donors to make an appointment to give after severe winter weather in some parts of the country caused about 250 Red Cross blood drives to cancel in March, resulting in more than 8,500 uncollected blood donations.

Type O negative blood and type AB plasma are two of the most in-demand blood products by hospitals.

The Red Cross said those who give can help patients locally or across the country as the Red Cross has the ability to move blood products where and when they are needed most.

According to the Red Cross, Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is often needed in emergency situations when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type.

Meanwhile, Type AB is the universal plasma type and can be transfused to patients of any blood type in an emergency.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets to the American Red Cross, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood. Also, those 16 years of age can donate with parental consent in most states.