Add a pint of blood to your holiday gift list this year. Supplies of O-negative and O-positive blood are already in short supply at UAB Hospital - the state’s only adult Level 1 trauma center. All blood types are needed by area hospitals as blood shortages are usually most acute during and following holiday periods.
“We often see blood shortages as we approach holidays as demand frequently increases and regular donations decrease,” said Marisa Marques, M.D., director of the UAB blood bank. “We encourage people to take a few moments to give a truly meaningful gift this holiday season.”
UAB Hospital and local blood suppliers urge news outlets to encourage their readers and audiences to donate blood during this period of shortage. While the Type O shortage is most acute, all blood types are needed.
Type-O blood, often referred to as the “universal” blood type, is used to treat critically injured trauma patients, since most people can accept Type O without an adverse reaction. A single trauma patient can easily use 20 units of blood or more, reducing available blood supplies for other critically injured patients.
How to Donate
To find the nearest blood donor center call:
LifeSouth Community Blood Bank: 205-943-6000
American Red Cross: 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543)