BUFFALO — The American Red Cross has a significant need for type O negative blood donors to donate blood for patients, the organization announced.

Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is often used in emergency situations. While less than 7 percent of the U.S. population has type O negative blood, hospitals depend on frequent O negative donations to ensure it’s always available for patients in need.

Eligible donors with type O negative blood are encouraged to make a whole blood or double red cell donation, where available, through the Red Cross. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

Blood donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Additionally, blood drives are being held throughout Erie County.

Amherst
3/26/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Best Buy, 1585 Niagara Falls Blvd.
3/29/2016: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Temple Beth Tzedek, 621 Getzville Rd.

Buffalo
3/29/2016: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave.
3/30/2016: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Inc., 1119 William St.
3/30/2016: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., UB – North Student Union, Student Union
3/31/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., University at Buffalo South Harriman Hall, 3435 Main St.

Derby
3/30/2016: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Newcomb Long Post 928, 7353 Erie Rd.

East Aurora
3/25/2016: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., The Roycroft Inn, 5 South Grove St.

Eggertsville
3/25/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St Benedicts Roman Catholic Church, 3980 Main St.

Kenmore
3/31/2016: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Rd.

Lancaster
3/30/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Avox Systems, 25 Walter Winter Dr.

Orchard Park
3/25/2016: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, S3148 Abbott Rd.

West Seneca
3/30/2016: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Vigilant Fire Department, 666 Main St.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.



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