The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center has issued an urgent appeal for Type O-negative blood donations due to a critical shortage. This plea comes as the center has not conducted any blood drives in the early part of 2024, which is essential for replenishing supplies.
Type O-negative blood is often referred to as the “universal donor” because it can be administered to patients regardless of their blood type. According to Vicki Smith, director of communication, development, and recruitment for the blood center, this type of blood is crucial for emergencies. In situations where there isn’t enough time to conduct a blood type test, medical professionals rely on O-negative blood, knowing it poses no risk of harm to patients.
As of now, the blood center has not held any blood drives this year, largely due to post-holiday hesitance from community groups. “We are just coming off the holidays, and a lot of our groups are hesitant to schedule (blood drives) for the first week,” Smith explained on Thursday. Despite this, the demand for O-negative blood at the eleven medical facilities the center serves has remained steady.
Although O-negative blood is not the rarest type, it is relatively uncommon, with only 7% of the population classified as O-negative, according to the American Red Cross. Hospitals need to have this blood type readily available, especially for women in childbirth, where having a unit of O-negative blood on hand is essential.
Currently, the medical facilities supplied by the blood center still possess some O-negative blood. However, the center is unable to replace the units being utilized, leading to a concerning deficit. “We are running at a deficit right now,” Smith stated. “We don’t have (units) to backfill” O-negative units.
The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center operates during the following hours:
– Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 08:30 to 17:30
– Tuesday: 08:30 to 20:00
– Friday: 08:30 to 16:30
In light of the ongoing situation, Smith emphasized the need for all blood types, saying, “We need all types all the time, but we are desperate for O-negative.” With the center’s current supply dwindling, community members are encouraged to donate as soon as possible to help replenish this vital resource.
