Red Cross Urgently Needs Several Blood Types

Overall blood donations in the Tennessee Valley region have been short by about 1400 fewer per month in June and July this year. When demand for the most needed types begins to outpace donations, the Red Cross alerts donors to help restock the shelves.  

Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

Opportunities to give blood are available Wednesday at Reidland Church of Christ from 3:30 to 7:30pm., and Thursday from noon til 6pm in Princeton at the Caldwell County EMS facility. Paducah has daily opportunities to give blood at the Paducah Blood Donation Center, 4635 Falconcrest Dr. and there's an upcoming blood donation opportunity in Metropolis on August 10th from 11:30 am - 5:30 pm, at First Baptist Church.

Blood donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  

Eligible donors are encouraged to donate double red cells – a process where two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor – where available.  

Platelets and type AB plasma also needed. Platelet donors and those with type AB blood are also continually needed to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving blood products they need. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone narrow recipients – must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed. Donors with type AB blood are urged to give blood or platelets to restock the plasma supply. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, which can be given to patients of all blood types.  

Individuals who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again and help patients like an expectant mother at a Red Cross-supported hospital who is currently receiving nearly 100 units of blood products a week until she delivers. Her need alone could add up to 1,100 units.