Well summer just kicked off but the weather is already taking a toll on the American Red Cross O negative blood supply.  A shortage of type O negative blood often occurs during the summer months when fewer donors are giving because of summer vacations and schools approaching summer break are hosting fewer drives.  The type O negative supply is now considered to be critically low which is a concern considering it is always in high demand.  Type O negative can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.  

I sometimes hear people say they are afraid of needles which I completely understand.  However, I ask them to consider enduring minor discomfort to benefit a stranger who may desperately need a blood transfusion.  Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source. 

Please consider donating blood, and call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make an appointment. 

Laurie Nehring is the Communications Manager for the MIssouri-Illinois Blood Services Region.