OK, fellow O negative blood/universal donor types...they need us! (Actually they need ALL types).
Even though I'm not a fan of needles, I'm rolling up my sleeve tomorrow to help out United Blood Services. They need more blood during the holidays, so it's time to act! Hey, if I can do it, you can too. You can even make an appointment at your convenience. Here are their hours, location, phone number, and the online link to make an appointment:
Monday 8:30am to 4:00pm
Tuesday and Wednesday 10:30am to 6:00pm
Thursday 8:30am to 1:30pm (except Thanksgiving)
Friday 9:30am to 1:30pm
Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm
Sunday 7:00am to 12:00pm
I'll be there tomorrow around 10:45 or so. You can call 225-769-7233 or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org to make a convenient appointment to donate. Walk-ins are always welcome. The address is 8234 One Calais Avenue, Baton Rouge.
Didn't know if you knew (I didn't), only six percent of the population has O-negative blood, yet at hospital trauma centers, sometimes as much as 15 percent of the blood transfused is O-negative. LeaAnn Teague, Satellite Center Director United Blood Services says, “O negative blood can be given to anyone in an extreme emergency situation when there is no time to crossmatch the donor’s blood with the patient’s. When you do the math, our community needs people who are O-negative to give blood at least twice as often as everyone else!”
Another special need for O-negative blood is in the treatment of babies. Neonatal care facilities require fresh units of O-negative blood each day to treat their tiny patients. Good reasons all.
