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The American Red Cross is facing a critical shortage of type O blood, the blood group most needed by hospitals. With less than a two-day supply of blood available for emergency rooms, where it can be most critical, medical treatments and patient care can be directly impacted.
That’s why the Red Cross is asking eligible type O donors to make an appointment to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets now through June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email.
While just 7 percent of the U.S. population has type O negative blood, it can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is what hospital staff reach for during emergencies when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type. Type O positive blood is the most transfused blood type and is also critical in trauma situations. However, donors of all blood types are urged to donate.
Among the Henrico donation center locations and sites hosting upcoming blood drives in the upcoming weeks are American Family Virginia Center Commons, Hunton Baptist Church, Innsbrook Blood Donation Center, Patient First Corporate (5000 Cox Road), Virginia State Police Division 1, Shady Grove Family YMCA, St. Michael's Catholic Church, Chickahominy YMCA, Emerywood Blood Donation Center, Regency Mall, Henrico County Human Services, SUEZ Treatment Solutions, Inc. (8007 Discovery Drive), UHS of Delaware, Inc., and Regency Mall. For dates, times and details visit RedCrossBlood.org/Together or cruzrojaamericana.org.
In addition to the Amazon.com gift card (restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal for information), donors who come in May 24-28 will receive an exclusive Red Cross-branded T-shirt, while supplies last.
