The American Red Cross Arizona Blood Services Region says it's in critical need of type O-negative blood donors.
Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with O-negative blood - the most widely requested blood type. Only 7 percent of the population is O-negative.
"We're not in an emergency yet but we're trying to avert one," said Debra Deininger, communications and marketing manager for the Arizona Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. "We're not in a situation where there's no O-negative on the shelves at all, but all it takes is one disaster, like a multicar accident on the freeway combined with other needs.
"We're trying to make sure we are adequately stocked, especially going into the Labor Day weekend when there's a potentially increased need for blood," she said. "We don't want to have a shaky supply."
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Red Cross officials say type O-negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, and is given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.
Every day, more than 39,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in the United States. Each blood donation can help save up to three lives.
The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need.
The Arizona Blood Services Region serves the state of Arizona, and needs about 300 people per day to step forward to meet patient need in 26 hospitals.
Contact reporter Stephanie Innes at sinnes@azstarnet.com or 573-4134.
