United Blood Services Needs O-Negative Blood Donors

What type of blood do you have?

United Blood Services has an urgent need for type O-negative blood donors. During the past several weeks, the demand for type O-negative blood has outpaced the supply significantly. Also, the winter storms in the region have significantly affected donations.United Blood Services in Cheyenne, 112 East 8th Avenue, is open Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors may call 638-3326 or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org to make an appointment and walk-ins are always welcome.

Only six percent of the population has O-negative blood, yet at hospital trauma centers, sometimes as much as 15 percent of the blood transfused is O-negative. That’s because O-negative blood is the universal blood type.

Another special need for O-negative blood is in the treatment of babies. Neonatal care facilities require fresh units of O-negative blood each day to treat their tiny patients.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 or 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

As of Monday morning, April 22, United Blood Services–Rocky Mountain had hospital orders for 97 type O-negative donations waiting to be filled.