Red Cross issues plea for type O blood

The Red Cross of Montana put out an urgent request Monday for type O negative blood, saying the supply has dropped to critically low levels. 

Always in high demand, type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, which is especially useful in emergency situations.  

While all blood types are needed during the summer, the Red Cross urges donors with O negative blood to make and keep appointments in the upcoming days to help restore the blood supply.   

 According to a press release, a shortage of type O negative blood often occurs during the summer when donations slow due to vacations and fewer blood drives with schools in recess.

Statistics show that someone in Montana needs blood every 27 minutes.

The Red Cross in Montana needs 700 donors each week to give blood and platelets to meet the demand from more than 30 hospitals.

Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive life-saving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

 Eligible donors must be 17 with parental permission in Montana, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and generally in good health.

Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor cards or other form of identification when they come to donate.

Upcoming blood drives are:

n Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Evergreen Fire & Rescue.

n Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kalispell Donation Center of the American Red Cross, 126 North Meridian Road.

n Tuesday, June 28, from noon to 5 p.m, Our Lady of Mercy Church, Eureka.

n Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. , Flathead City-County Health Department, Kalispell.

n Thursday, June 30, 1 to 6 p.m., Marion Fire Department.

Eligible blood donors are asked to make appointments for any of these blood drives by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).