Donors needed as local blood supply drops to critical level

The local blood supply has reached a critically low level.

For type O Negative, there is a 1.8-day blood supply and less than one-day supply of other types.

Anyone able to donate or who has considered giving is encouraged to do so. It only takes about 15 minutes to find out if a person is eligible to give.

O Negative blood type is the universal red blood cell that can be transfused into any patient, regardless of blood type. O Negative red cells must be used for trauma situations and other emergencies.

However, all blood types are needed.

Donors who donate blood by 9 p.m. tonight at a community blood drive or LifeShare Center, 1321 College Drive, Texarkana, Texas, will receive one entry ticket to the Mega Millions Jackpot Drawing estimated at $1.6 billion.

Donated blood is often a part of life-saving medical treatment for accident victims, patients with blood disorders, those undergoing cancer treatments, experiencing complications during childbirth and many more situations.

Medical emergencies and accidents happen and the community expects the blood to be there for their loved ones. A low blood supply is a serious community concern.

Blood cannot be manufactured. Blood donors are the only source.

For more information call 903794-3173.