As hospitals nationwide are facing a critical shortage of Type O blood, communities across the area are stepping up to help meet the need. The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood donors- especially those with Type O blood-emphasizing that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires a lifesaving transfusion.
Several blood drives are scheduled locally during this final week of July:
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Broken Bow: Monday, July 28 at Melham Medical Center, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Arcadia: Monday, July 28 at the Community Center, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Litchfield: Monday, July 28 at the Winters Building, noon to 6:00 p.m.
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Callaway: Wednesday, July 30 at the Community Center, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Dunning: Thursday, July 31 at the school, noon to 6:00 p.m.
Blood donations are used in a wide range of medical scenarios- from accident and burn victims to cancer patients and those undergoing heart surgeries or organ transplants. Type O negative is especially important because it is the universal donor type, meaning it can be given to any patient in emergency situations when there’s no time to determine blood type.
The donation process is safe and typically takes less than an hour. Donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed).
To make an appointment or learn more about eligibility, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
