Dayton Daily News

Blood donors needed

- STAFF REPORT

Blood type O is in critically low supply and Community Blood Center needs donors to prevent a blood supply emergency. Donors are urged to make an appointmen­t at www.DonorTime.com or call 937-461-3220.

After weekend use the Dayton CBC has a short supply of O positive and only a two-day supply of type O negative. Any surge in emergency usage would have immediate impact on area hospitals.

“Blood donated to Community Blood Center stays in our community and helps save the lives of our neighbors,” said Donor Services Executive Director Tracy Morgan.

“Any of us, any of our loved ones, could face a sudden need for blood. It is up to us to make sure enough blood is there, ready at all times to save a life.”

Approximat­ely 38% of the population has type O-positive while

only 7% has type O-negative. Both types are in constant demand. Type O positive can be transfused to patients with any positive blood type. O-negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused immediatel­y to any patient in need.

November is a vital month to donate. Many businesses and organizati­ons cannot host blood drives due to remote work and other continued COVID-19 related restrictio­ns.

High school blood drives are returning but remain at reduced capacity. More than 85% of CBC collection­s come from mobile blood drives, including 17% from high schools.

CBC must prepare for both pandemic-related

delays or disruption­s in the blood drive schedule and for the seasonal challenges that lie ahead. November begins the holiday season when people have less time to donate and the coming of winter brings the potential for weather disruption­s.

To face these challenges CBC needs new donors, including new platelet and plasma donors, and new blood drive sponsors. Call 937-461-3220 to learn how you can help.

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