United Blood Services is urging donors to check their eligibility to give blood, and they especially need type-O blood donors for their next blood drive in Woonsocket at the local Community Center on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 12:30 –6 p.m.
Out of every 100 people needing blood, more than 50 percent will use type O. Thirty-seven percent of the population has O-positive blood, making it the most common type, so it is most commonly used by patients needing transfusions. Also, O-positive blood can be given to patients who have A, B, or AB-positive blood. O-negative blood is essential because it is the universal blood type and can be given to anyone in an extreme emergency situation when there is no time to cross match the donor’s blood with the patient’s. It is also used to treat babies in neonatal care facilities, which need fresh units daily to treat those tiny patients.
Misconceptions are many as to why people don’t donate blood. Some of these include taking medication including blood pressure, cholesterol, or anti-depressants, traveling outside the United States, getting a tattoo or piercing, or having a history of cancer. Potential donors are encouraged to call United Blood Services (1-800-917-4929) or to come to this blood drive and inquire about eligibility.
To make an appointment, donors are asked to call Carrie Howard at 605-770-8997, or go online at www.unitedbloodservices.org Donors must be at least 16 years old (16-year-old donors need a minor donor permit, which is available online) and be in good health.