Type 'O' Donors Needed during Blood Drive
May 19, 2008
Blood donors are desperately needed-especially those with type O-according to the American Red Cross, which will hold a special blood drive Tuesday, June 3, from 1-6 p.m. at Franklin Memorial Hospital's Bass Room.
Although every blood type is important, type O donors play a critical role in maintaining the blood supply, say Red Cross officials.
Officials say 38 percent of the United States population has type O positive blood, making it the most common of the eight blood types. Since 84 percent of the U.S. population can receive type O positive blood, there is a steady demand for it from hospitals and patients. People with type O negative blood are particularly in demand because they are the "universal donor." It means that people of all blood types can receive type O negative blood safely, so it is used during life-threatening emergencies or when the matching blood type is in short supply.
In recent weeks, blood collections have fallen short due to blood drive cancellations resulting from winter weather and the flu outbreak. Red Cross officials are asking all eligible citizens to donate now to help patients in need. Men and women of all blood types are welcome to donate.
All presenting blood donors will be eligible to win two tickets to a Boston Red Sox home game.
If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information or to make an appointment, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.
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