The American Red Cross has extended its urgent call for donors of all blood types -- especially type O.
Regional Red Cross spokesperson Joe Zydlo says a chief of pathology at a regional hospital just told him why the universal blood type of type O is needed in emergency situations.
"O-negative blood is so important because when the hospitals get a trauma patient, say someone's in a car accident, they're unconscious, they need to perform an emergency situation, or basically give them a blood transfusion because of the loss of blood, they need to use O-negative blood. They obviously can't find out what the blood type of that person is coming in if they're unconscious or need something."
He says the weather over the past couple of weeks forced the cancellation of some blood drives.
"14-15 total were canceled within the region -- about 350 uncollected units. So, it's real important for people to get out , when they can, when the weather is good. We want everybody to be safe, first and foremost. Obviously, if you're feeling well, we want you to get out too."
For a list of upcoming blood drives, click here.
