American Red Cross has need for type O negative blood

Less than 7 percent of the United States population has type O negative blood, but hospitals depend on frequent donations to ensure availability for patients in need.

The American Red Cross says eligible donors with type O negative blood are encouraged to make a whole blood, or double red cell donation.

Two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor during a double red cell donation, according to the organization.

“Type O negative donors are an important part of the Red Cross trauma team,” said Ryan Corcoran, donor recruitment director of the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “While all blood types are needed, type O negative donations are necessary in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Because there is such a high demand for type O negative blood, O negative donors are needed to donate often.”

Blood donation appointments can be made by visiting the American Red Cross website or calling 1-800-733-2767. Appointments can also be made using the Red Cross Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two forms of identification, are required at blood donation check-ins.

According to the Red Cross, anyone who donates must be 17-years-old—16-years-old in some states—weigh at least 100 pounds and be in good health. High school students and other donors 18-years-old and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.