The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center has declared a critical shortage of Type O-negative blood and is urgently appealing for donors to come forward immediately. According to Vicki Smith, the center’s director of communication, development, and recruitment, Type O-negative blood is often referred to as the “universal donor” because it can be safely transfused to individuals of any blood type.
The blood center’s shortage arises from a lack of blood drives held this year, with Smith noting that many organizations are hesitant to schedule donations in the early days of January. She explained, “We are just coming off the holidays, and a lot of our groups are hesitant to schedule for the first week of the year.” Despite this, the demand for O-negative blood remains consistent across the 11 medical centers that the blood center supplies.
O-negative blood is not the rarest blood type, but it is relatively uncommon. According to the American Red Cross, only approximately 7% of the population has O-negative blood. In emergency situations where immediate transfusions are necessary, medical personnel often utilize O-negative blood due to its compatibility with all blood types. “They know O-negative is not going to cause harm,” Smith added. Additionally, hospitals must keep a unit of O-negative blood on hand for women in childbirth.
While the medical facilities served by the blood center still have some O-negative blood available, the center itself is unable to replenish the units currently in use. Smith stated, “We are running at a deficit right now. We don’t have units to backfill O-negative units.”
The blood center operates from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. Smith emphasized the need for all blood types but expressed a particular urgency for O-negative donations. “We need all types all the time, but we are desperate for O-negative,” she said.
Individuals who can donate are encouraged to visit the center or contact local organizations to schedule an appointment. The health and safety of patients depend on a steady supply of blood, and those with O-negative blood are particularly vital during this critical time.
