MKBC

Miller-Keystone Blood Center is in critical need of donors with the O-negative blood type.

According to Deb Otto, director of donor resources, O-negative donors are referred to as “universal blood donors.”

Otto notes the current decrease in the available O-negative blood supply is directly related to the care of a trauma patient in one of the regional hospitals. It can take up to 50 units of blood to help someone in a car accident and up to eight units to help someone with internal bleeding.

It can also take up to eight units a week to help someone battling leukemia.

To donate, individuals must be 17 years of age or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be feeling healthy; donors must not have donated in the past eight weeks. All donors must also provide valid identification; ID must have the donor’s name printed on it, as well as a photo and/or signature.

For more information or to schedule a donation, call 1-800-B-A-DONOR.

Donors can also visit GIVEaPINT.org to schedule an appointment online or find a blood drive in their community.