Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to help maintain a diverse blood supply
By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 4th, 2015
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February. Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. Healthy and diverse blood donors are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply. Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine one's blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for those patients with rare blood types or for those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity. All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upcoming blood donation opportunities Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Ventura How to donate blood High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. About the American Red Cross |