United Blood Services has announced an urgent call for O type blood donors. There is a special urgent need for O type donors at this time, although all blood types are always needed and accepted.
PLEASE COME IN AND DONATE ! WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Upcoming Blood Drives Open to the Public
Monday, May 2, 2016
Western New Mexico
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Silver High school
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Donors may call 575-527-1322 or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org to make a convenient appointment to donate. WALK INS WELCOME. SAVE TIME...... Don't forget to fill out your health questionnaire FAST TRACK the day you donate! The Zika virus travel deferral is in effect! If you've traveled to any of the impacted areas (all of Mexico and the Caribbean and South American) you will be deferred for 28 days. If you haven't traveled in the last 28 days, please donate now! If you plan to travel to one of the impacted areas, soon please take the time to donate before you go.
Only six percent of the population has O-negative blood, yet at hospital trauma centers, sometimes as much as 25 percent of the blood transfused is O-negative. That's because O-negative blood is the universal blood type. "It can be given to anyone in an extreme emergency situation when there is no time to cross match the donor's blood with the patient's," explained LuAnn Wieland of United Blood Services, this area's non-profit community blood service provider. "When you do the math, our community needs people who are O-negative to give blood at least twice as often as everyone else
Another special need for O-negative blood is in the treatment of babies. Neonatal care facilities require fresh units of O-negative blood each day to treat their tiny patients.
O Positive blood is one of the most common blood types and used in huge amounts by our patients at the hospitals. It is for this reason we need both types urgently at this time!
"Every 2-to-3 seconds in this country, someone needs blood. And you never know when you or someone you love will be the one. We all expect blood to be available when we need it, but only a few of those who can give actually roll up their sleeves. It's time for you to roll up your sleeve and donate for the good of your community, said Wieland.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
Monique Hilverding
Sr. Donor Recruitment Representative
United Blood Services
575-202-5606
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