Wyoming is facing a critical shortage of type O blood, with the supply dropping to a two-year low. Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is urging all donors, especially those with type O, to make an appointment now for the days ahead.
Why Type O Blood Is Critical
Type O blood is the most transfused blood type, and it is especially lifesaving in emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. O-negative can help any patient, while O-positive can help anyone with a positive blood type.
According to Amie Rawson, Vitalant senior vice president of donor services, ‘Type O blood is always in high demand because it’s the most versatile and frequently used blood type for transfusions. Patients with type O-positive blood make up about 39% of the population, but they can only receive type O blood.’ When there’s a shortage, doctors may have to decide who can receive it immediately and who can wait.
The recent July Fourth holiday compounded the already low blood supply, with fewer donors coming in due to travel and holiday-related activities. To help address the shortage, Vitalant is offering incentives to donors, including a T-shirt and a $20 gift card for those who donate by July 11.
Donors can make an appointment at one of Vitalant’s two air-conditioned donation centers in Cheyenne or Casper, or at a community-hosted blood drive. To find an upcoming blood drive, visit donors.vitalant.org and enter your zip code.
Original reporting: KODI Radio (Cody WY) — read the source article.
