O-negative blood needed for long holiday weekend

SPOKANE, Wash. — Inland Northwest Blood Center is putting out a call for people to donate blood now before the long Memorial Day weekend to help boost a low supply and meet the transfusion needs of patients during the upcoming holiday.

INBC is currently seeing an increased need for O-negative blood and is asking donors to come forward and donate to ensure a safe supply. O-negative blood is the universal blood type and is commonly reached for in trauma incidents. The need for blood, especially O-negative, rises during the summer months as there is an increase in trauma-related accidents while donations can decrease by nearly 40 percent.

“Right now, we’re seeing an increase in the amount of O-negative blood needed by patients,” said Jennifer Hawkins, Senior Director of Donor Recruitment. “We work hard to efficiently manage the community blood supply, but it can be challenging at times to predict which components may be needed more than others on any given day or week.”

INBC is part of the Blood Systems network of regional and community blood centers. This network is leveraged to assure enough blood is available where it’s needed most. Part of this resource sharing includes transferring blood components from one area with a lesser need to another area with a greater need.

Those interested in donating may call (800)423-0151 or visit www.inbcsaves.org to make an appointment and learn more about blood donation. Donors can also save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate. It’s at www.www.inbcsaves.org

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 or 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. More information is at www.inbcsaves.org.

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