Red Cross in Need of Type O Negative and AB Blood Donors

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The American Red Cross is issuing a call for type O negative and AB blood donors, after severe winter weather in areas of the country caused around 250 blood drives to cancel in March alone.

Type O negative blood and type AB plasma are two of the most in-demand blood products by hospitals. Type O negative can be transfused to patients with any blood type and type AB is the universal plasma type which can also be transfused to any patients.

Less than 7-percent of the U.S. population has O negative blood, which hospitals most depend on. Plasma also helps to maintain blood pressure and critical proteins needed for clotting and immunity.

Those who give, can help patients locally, as well as across the country. Those interested in donating can find out more information by visiting http://www.redcrossblood.org/