Blood supplies in northwest Arkansas are running low. A pleas has been issued for type O-negative blood, and those possessing it are asked to donate, according to Rebecca Long with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. : Blood supplies running low
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bvwv/News/6338/
People with O-negative blood are potential universal red blood cell donors, while those with AB-positive and AB-negative are potential universal plasma donors.
Those with O-positive, the most common blood type, are also asked to donate because it is used more often by patients needing transfusions in hospitals.
One person may donate a unit of blood every 56 days. A pint of blood can help as many as three patients. Before being sent to one of the 36 area hospitals that use CBCO donations, blood is separated into three main components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.
Proof of identification is needed for first-time donors, and a medical history screening will precede a short intake process, during which a donor’s blood pressure, pulse and temperature are checked.
The CBCO recommends getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating two to three hours prior to donating.
Blood drives will be conducted by the CBCO this summer at the following locations in Bella Vista:
• June 4 at Bella Vista Assembly of God from 2 p. m. to 6 p. m.;
• June 5 at Bella Vista Community Church from 7: 30 a. m. to 12: 30 p. m.; and
• July 1 at 101 Town Center from 9 a. m. to 12 p. m.
Blood donations are also accepted at the CBCO’s donor center in Springdale, 3503 S. Thompson St. For more information, call the CBCO at 927-1200.