Updated May 15, 2019

The American Red Cross has a critical shortage of type O blood and urges eligible donors to give now to help patients facing trauma and other life-threatening situations. As a thank-you for helping replenish the blood supply, all donors who come to give blood or platelets now through June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.

Right now, the Red Cross has less than a two-day supply of type O blood available for emergency rooms, where it can be most critical. That means just six units of type O blood are available for every 100,000 people, but at least 14 are needed every day. Type O positive blood is the most transfused blood type and is also critical in trauma situations.

The next opportunity to donate blood will be Monday May 20, from noon until 6:00pm at the Pulaski Recreation Center.