O-negative blood donors needed

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - According to the American Red Cross, the local supply of type O-negative blood is currently at insufficient levels.

As the quantity of blood donors typically decreases during holiday weekends like New Year’s Day, the American Red Cross is extending hours over the weekend to help boost the supply of type O-negative blood.

People with type O-negative blood are unique. Just 7% of the American population has type O-negative blood, yet 100% of the population can safely receive it. For that reason, it is often used to treat victims of trauma and in emergency situations when the patient’s blood type is unknown.

If you have type O-negative blood, you have a special gift to give this New Year’s. The American Red Cross is asking to help replenish the local blood supply by donating at one of the following donor centers over the New Year weekend.

Lutheran Hospital Donor Center
7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital)
Saturday, Jan. 2: 6 a.m. – 12 noon

Fort Wayne Donor Center
1212 E. California Rd. (across from the Memorial Coliseum)
Saturday, Jan. 2: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 3: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

All presenting donors at these blood drives will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 Visa gift card.

How to Donate Blood

To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross

The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.