Critical Need For Blood

by Lifesouth Blood Center

Published: Tue, January 13, 2009 - 10:53 am CST Last Updated: Tue, January 13, 2009 - 10:55 am CST

Critical need for donors with negative blood types

It’s not unusual for the need for blood to jump after the holidays, but for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Mobile and Baldwin counties, the current increased demand has tilted heavily for donors with Rh negative blood types.

“With increased usage at our hospitals, our normal collection of Rh negative donors has not been enough to keep up with the demand, so we need to appeal to any donors with negative blood types to please donate as soon as possible,” said Ed Downey Jr., LifeSouth’s director of district operations.

The donors who can help meet this need are also hard to find. Only 14 percent of Americans have an Rh negative blood type, and the demand for O-negative blood, that only 7 percent of Americans have, is always needed, because it is the one blood type that can be given to patients of any blood type when there is an emergency.

“The reason you frequently see us ask for O-negative donors is because they are considered the universal donors,” said Dr. Kathleen Sazama, LifeSouth medical officer.

Donors must be at least 17, or 16 with written parental consent, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good health. Please stop by LifeSouth today. If you have any questions please call toll-free (888) 795-2707.

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