Emergency shortage of type O blood continues

It's summertime and blood donors are few and far between.

Citing a 30% blood donation shortfall during early July and overall low donor turnout this summer, nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant said the issue is even more critical when it comes to type O blood.

The provider, which serves an estimated 900 hospitals across the nation, reported an emergency shortage of the blood type and call on those with the blood type to make an appointment to donate.

"No doctor should have to face the impossible choice of which patient receives the blood they need and who must wait," said Ralph Vassallo, Vitalant's chief medical and scientific officer. "There isn't anything that can substitute for lifesaving blood donations from generous donors."

The most in-demand blood type, type O, recently dropped to an 18-month low. O-negative can be transfused to patients of any blood type, while O-positive can support anyone with a positive blood type. About 46% of the population has type O blood.

Extreme heat and summer vacations are likely contributing to low donor turnout during what is often referred to as "trauma season," when injuries from outdoor activities can increase. Blood donations fell about 30% overall in early July, resulting in approximately 7,500 fewer donations than needed, on top of about 8,000 fewer donations than needed in June.

Over 60% of people are eligible to donate, yet only 3% do. Vitalant officials urged donors of all blood types, especially those with type O, to make an appointment at vitalant.org, use the Vitalant app or call 877-258-4825.