Blood Services Needs Type O-Negative Reserves

The need for this specific, "universal donor" blood type rises as the Fourth of July holiday weekend nears

By Janna Nichols | Published on 06.25.2009

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With the Fourth of July weekend around the corner, United Blood Services Central Coast is asking donors with blood type O-negative to donate before the holiday.

Holidays such as this bring an increased risk of emergencies and accidents, and it is O-Negative blood that is often used to help patients when there is no time to determine their own blood type.  As a “Universal Donor,” blood type O-negative can be transfused to anyone. 

Current supplies for blood type O-negative are a bit low going into the holiday weekend. United Blood Services needs donors with this blood type to help improve reserves by July 2.

Supplies of other blood types are currently strong, and donors are asked to maintain a donation schedule of three times per year to ensure an ample and steady supply.

The Kahuna Grill is helping United Blood Services to thank volunteer blood donors through July 2. Each volunteer blood donor will receive a certificate for a free Kahuna Burger. In addition, the Jiffy Lube Drive To Save Lives Prius Giveaway is happening again this summer where one lucky blood donor will win a new Toyota Prius.  Visit the United Blood Services website for details, www.UnitedBloodServices.org/CentralCoast.

The Santa Barbara Center will be open for special hours during the holiday week:

» From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday;

» From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday;

» On Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, the center will be closed.

Donations may be made at the UBS Center in Santa Barbara or other blood drives happening in the area.  The center is located at 902 Laguna St. at the corner of East Cañon Perdido. For a list of other blood drive locations, visit www.Blood4Life.org. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome.

You may donate blood if you are over age 16, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services online at www.unitedbloodservices.org/centralcoast or calling the United Blood Services Center in Santa Barbara, 805.965.7037.

— Janna Nichols works for United Blood Services

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» A guy with needle fears on 06.28.09 @ 12:29 PM

If you’ve never donated before, you should.  It’s easy, even if you have issues with needles like I do.  Let them know up front and they will never show you the needle.  Guys especially should go, since we almost never fail the iron test.

The whole thing doesn’t take an hour.  You can have all the snacks you want when you are done and local businesses frequently give you a little extra incentive (Thanks, Kahuna! Yum!)

Tips for easy giving:

1. Tank up on liquids, but lay off the caffeine that day.
2. Eat healthy, hearty meals before and after giving.
3. They will do a finger prick for the iron test.  Ask to have the finger prick on your dominate hand and have them draw blood from the other arm.  It’s not a big deal if you don’t, but it is easier.
4. Go with someone!  It’s more fun that way.  (My wife and I go together whenever we can.)

Save a life; donate blood!  (C’mon, give it a try!)


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