The American Red Cross has a severe shortage of type O blood and urges type O donors, as well as eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types, to donate during the shortage, according to a press release.
Ronnika MCFall is with the Red Cross Communications.
“We are urging donors to give now to help ensure life-saving patient care isn’t impacted.”
McFall says the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
“Type O blood is the most in-demand type and the first to run out during a shortage,” according to McFall. “Type O positive can be transferred to our RH positive patients of any blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no type to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.”
Recent snowstorms and severe weather in many parts of the country have forced hundreds of blood drive cancellations, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.
For more information on how to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit the Red Cross website, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming Blood Drives:
2/27/2019: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Janssen/Training Center, 1440 Olympic Drive
2/27/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr.
Barrow
Statham
2/28/2019: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., The Georgia Club, 1050 Chancellors Drive
Clarke
Athens
2/28/2019: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr
2/28/2019: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tuckston United Methodist Church, 4175 Lexington Rd
Barrow
Winder
3/1/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Winder First United Methodist Church, 280 North Broad Street
Clarke
Athens
3/1/2019: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr.
Clarke
Athens
3/2/2019: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr.
Clarke
Athens
3/3/2019: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr.
3/4/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr.
Clarke
Athens
3/5/2019: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Athens Blood Donation Center, Clark Crossing Shopping Ctr.
