The Community Blood Center is urging eligible Type O Negative blood donors to give immediately after a series of medical emergencies sharply reduced its supply of the life-saving blood type.
According to the nonprofit blood provider, two emergency cases within a 24-hour period required nearly 20 units of O Negative blood at hospitals it supports. As a result, CBC’s inventory dropped to approximately a one-day supply—well below what is needed to meet expected patient demand in the days ahead.
Type O Negative blood is known as the universal blood type and is often used in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Only about nine percent of the population has O Negative blood, making donations especially critical.
“Coming from the universal blood donor, O-negative blood is crucial in emergencies when every second counts,” said John Hagins, president and chief executive officer of the Community Blood Center. “While O Negative is critically low, all blood types are constantly needed to support local hospital patients. Donate today and be someone’s lifeline tomorrow.”
Although CBC is headquartered in Wisconsin, Chicago-area residents can donate locally. The organization accepts blood donations at its Beverly Donor Center on the South Side of Chicago, located on Western Avenue, as well as at numerous mobile blood drives held throughout the Chicago area each month.
Winter weather conditions and seasonal illnesses traditionally reduce donor turnout, but the need for blood remains constant. Hospitals rely on a stable blood supply to support patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth complications, and treatment for traumatic injuries and other life-threatening emergencies.
To thank donors, the Community Blood Center offers its Lifesaver Rewards program. Donors who opt in can earn points during the donation process, which may be redeemed for gratitude gifts valued up to $25, including virtual gift cards. Donors may earn rewards as often as every two donations.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting communityblood.org, using the CBC Donor App, or calling 800-280-4102.
Founded in 1955, the Community Blood Center is an independent nonprofit organization providing a safe and reliable blood supply to hospitals across the Midwest, including Illinois and Wisconsin. The organization operates donor centers in both states and hosts more than 100 blood drives each month. CBC is a member of America’s Blood Centers and Blood Centers of America, national networks that collectively help meet approximately 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply needs.