United Blood Services announces an urgent appeal for type O-negative blood donors.
The United Blood Services Donation center is located at 2020 W. Beauregard in San Angelo and is open:  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from noon – 5.30pm; Wednesday and Friday from 8am – 1.30pm and Saturday from 9am – 1.30pm.  Donors may call 325-223-7500 or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org to make a convenient appointment to donate.

Only six percent of the population has O-negative blood, yet at hospital trauma centers, sometimes as much as 12% percent of the blood transfused is O-negative. That’s because O-negative blood is the universal blood type.

“It can be given to anyone in an extreme emergency situation when there is no time to crossmatch the donor’s blood with the patient’s,” explained Linda Grace, Senior Donor Recruitment Rep with United Blood Services, this area’s non-profit community blood service provider. “When you do the math, our community needs people who are O-negative to give blood at least twice as often as everyone else!”

Another special need for O-negative blood is in the treatment of babies. Neonatal care facilities require fresh units of O-negative blood each day to treat their tiny patients.

“Every 2-to-3 seconds in this country, someone needs blood. And you never know when you or someone you love will be the one. We all expect blood to be available when we need it, but only a few of those who can give actually roll up their sleeves. If you have O-negative blood, it’s time for you to get involved!” Grace said.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

As of this morning, United Blood Services has hospitals orders for type O-negative donations waiting to be filled.

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