(Undated) — The American Red Cross has extended its urgent call for donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets. According to the Red Cross, the escalating numbers of flu cases across the country and the cold winter weather have led to a shortage of donations. They now have a critical shortage of type O blood and urgently needs donors to “restock the shelves.” Type O positive blood is the most transfused blood type and can be given to Rh-positive patients of any blood type. While just 7% 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 reaches for during emergencies when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type. Learn more about the donation process and find the drive nearest you by visiting redcrossblood.org.
