CENTRAL COAST — Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is urging blood donors, particularly those with type O blood, to schedule appointments as its type O blood supply has fallen to a two-year low.
According to Vitalant, the supply of type O blood has steadily declined since May, creating a critical shortage. Thousands of blood donation appointments across the Central Coast remain unfilled through the end of July.
Type O blood is the most commonly transfused blood type and is especially important during emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. O-negative blood can be transfused to patients of any blood type, while O-positive blood can be given to anyone with a positive blood type.
“Type O blood is always in high demand because it’s the most versatile and frequently used blood type for transfusions. Additionally, patients with type O-positive blood make up about 39% of the population, but they can only receive type O blood,” said Vitalant Executive Director Susan Noone. “When there’s a shortage, doctors may have to decide who can receive it immediately and who can wait. That is why maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is essential to ensure every patient gets the blood they need, especially when seconds count.”
Vitalant said the nation’s 250th Independence Day observance worsened an already limited blood supply as holiday travel and activities reduced donor turnout. According to the organization, it collected several thousand fewer blood donations during the holiday period while travel reached record levels.
Every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion, according to Vitalant.
The organization said most people are eligible to donate blood, and the process takes about an hour. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to give, with an especially urgent need for type O blood and platelet donations.
Blood donations can be made at any of Vitalant’s four Central Coast donation centers or at one of the more than two dozen community blood drives held each week. Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting Vitalant’s website vitalant.org, using the Vitalant mobile app or calling 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
