Community Corner
O Negative Blood Donors ‘Urgently’ Needed
Carrollwood residents who can give a pint are being asked to pitch in and help as supplies run low.
Florida Blood Services has put out a call for help from Carrollwood residents who don’t mind giving a pint to possibly save a life.
The nonprofit agency especially needs assistance from eligible donors who happen to have the O negative blood type, which is also known as the universal donor type.
“Blood usage by patients, particularly for universal donor type O negative, used in trauma and emergency situations has drained supplies at Florida Blood Services,” a media release from the agency said.
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While only 7 percent of the population has O negative blood, this particular type can be used to help save anyone’s life, regardless of their blood type. That’s why O negative is in such high demand.
“O negative is critical for trauma patients, premature babies and emergency situations,” the release said.
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Florida Blood Services provides blood to hospitals throughout the Tampa Bay area, including those in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
Blood donors must be at least 16, healthy and weigh 110 pounds or more.
To find out where to donate, just call 1-800-68-BLOOD (25663) or visit the agency’s website at www.fbsblood.org. Florida Blood Services has donor centers throughout community and also operates bloodmobiles for donor convenience.
Do you give blood? What motivates you to give a pint from time to time? Let us know by commenting below!
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