All blood types needed; urgent demand for type O blood donors
The American Red Cross of Utah urges donors to give blood now to reinforce the blood supply as the traditional summer donation lull coincides with “trauma season,” a period marked by a rise in traumatic injuries. Type O blood donors are especially sought after to help hospitals maintain a consistent and reliable supply of the most commonly transfused blood type through August.
“In times of need, the generosity of blood donors provides crucial support. Your donation is a gift that helps our communities and saves lives every day,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “I encourage all Utahns to donate blood this summer, ensuring lifesaving supplies are on hand when they are most vital.”
The Red Cross is a major contributor to the nation’s blood supply, providing about 40% of all collected blood. To meet the needs of patients at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Utah, nearly 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply. Donors can conveniently schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
While all blood types are essential, there is an urgent need for type O blood donors. Type O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type, while type O negative serves as the universal blood type crucial in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
Urgent need for O Negative blood during Trauma Season
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, known as “trauma season,” experiences a surge in severe injuries from car crashes, ATV wrecks, sporting accidents and summer-related activities, leading to high demand for blood transfusions. Around 25% of trauma patients require blood transfusions, with an estimated 3% to 5% needing massive transfusions – 10 or more units of blood.
A single significant accident can swiftly deplete a hospital’s blood reserves. Donner stressed the importance of immediate blood donations, stating, “It’s important that donors of all types donate blood now. The need for O negative blood, the universal blood type, is particularly critical to ensure trauma centers have the needed blood on hand for emergency situations.”
Rewarding every blood donor
Throughout July, those who come to donate blood will automatically be entered into the drawing to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn®. Even if you aren’t the lucky winner of the truck, you can still enjoy a movie on us. The Red Cross has teamed up with Universal Pictures for the theatrical release of TWISTERS to help avoid a summer blood shortage. All who come to give blood July 1-31 will get a Fandango Movie Ticket by email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Twisters for details. Those donating Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/Help for details.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
