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O-Negative Blood Supply Hits Critical Low In Metro Area

DENVER (CBS4)- The O-negative supply of blood at Bonfils Blood Center in the Denver metro area is reaching a critical low and those donors are urged to give blood now.

Even though it's hard to remember with Colorado's record-breaking heat this week, but last week's bitter cold temperatures along with an increase in usage for recent emergency and trauma situations and everyday need, have depleted the O-negative blood donation supply.

This can be potentially dangerous for patients in Colorado who need blood transfusions.

The problem is being compounded by the upcoming Christmas holiday because there is typically a 20 percent decline across the board in donations as people become busy with holiday activities and travel.

O-negative blood donors are the universal donor and have the only blood type that can be transfused into patients before their own blood type is known.

Only six point nine percent of the entire U.S. population has O-negative blood type.

Currently only four percent of eligible Coloradans donate blood and one single blood donation can save and enhance the lives of up to three patients. O-negative whole blood donors as well as platelet donors of all types are particularly in need this time of year.

Bonfils Appointment Center: 303-363-2300 or 1-800-365-0006 Option #2.
bonfils.org

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