Appeal Issued for O-Negative Blood

TUPELO, Miss — United Blood Services today announced an Urgent appeal for type O negative.

United Blood Services has less than a one-day supply of blood type O negative and is challenged to meet hospital needs. It is imperative that the community respond to this need immediately.

Only six percent of the population has O-negative blood, yet at hospital trauma centers, sometimes as much as 15 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 Rhonda Weaver, Donor Recruitment Supervisor, United Blood Services, your non-profit community blood service provider. 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.

Donors with type O-negative blood are encouraged to schedule a convenient appointment time online. The community can donate blood at United Blood Services’ donor center located at: 4326 Eason Blvd, Tupelo, MS

Monday and Wednesday

8:00 am

4:00 pm

Tuesday and Thursday

10 am

6:00 pm

Friday and Saturday

8:00 am

2:00 pm

Sunday

closed

For those who hesitate to travel, bloodmobiles are out in the community and also open to the public. For more information about blood donor qualifications, drives in your community, or to schedule an appointment visit us online at www.bloodhero.com or you may call 1-877-827-4375.

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.