LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is calling on people with type O positive and O negative blood to donate now, warning that holiday travel and busy schedules could strain the blood supply.
Type O positive can go to any patient with a positive blood type, about 80% of the population. Type O negative is the universal donor type but only about 7% of people have it.
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“We don’t want to be in a position where we’re asking people to donate because blood supplies have already reached critical levels,” said Rachel Flanigan, executive director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter.
Nearly 20 hospitals in Southern Nevada depend on Red Cross donations. Red blood cells last up to 42 days and platelets only five, so supplies must be replenished regularly.
Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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