Type O- and O+ blood supply reaches a dangerously low 1-2 day level amid summer trauma season
KANSAS & MISSOURI – Community Blood Center (CBC) has issued an urgent call for types O-negative and O-positive blood, the two most crucial blood types for emergency and trauma care. Following a sharp drop in donations over the 4th of July holiday, the region’s supply of O- and O+ blood is currently at a 1-2 day level, far below what is needed to meet hospital and patient demand.
Summer has brought an expected decline in donations, driven by vacations and school breaks, but combined with increased trauma cases, the impact on the local blood supply has been severe. Overall collections are down nearly 25%, putting patient care at risk.
Type O-negative is the universal blood type used when seconds matter and a patient’s blood type is unknown. Type O-positive, the most common type, is in constant demand for surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and daily medical care.
“This isn’t just a routine summer slowdown; our type O supply is critically low and donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand,” said Chelsey Smith, Director of Public Relations at Community Blood Center. “Our community always shows up when it matters most, and this is one of those moments. We’re urging all blood donors, but especially those with type O blood, to take an hour to give and help rebuild the blood supply now.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit savealifenow.org or call 877.468.6844.