Colorado experiencing emergency blood shortage, how you can donate

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Vitalant , a nonprofit blood services provider, said Colorado is experiencing an emergency shortage of type O blood.

According to a release from Vitalant on Tuesday, the supply of type O blood has dropped to an 18-month low. Now, blood centers in 900 hospitals nationwide, including 94 in Colorado, are urging those with type O blood to make an appointment soon.

Vitalant believes the extreme heat affecting much of the U.S. this summer is likely contributing to the low donor turnout. During the Fourth of July weekend, the nonprofit said donations dropped 30% from weekly averages and the supply has not recovered.

“No doctor should have to face the impossible choice of which patient receives the blood they need and who must wait,” Vitalant Chief Medical and Scientific Officer Ralph Vassallo said. “There isn’t anything that can substitute for lifesaving blood donations from generous donors. Donors of all blood types continue to be urgently needed.”

Type O is the most in-demand blood type because it can be universally used. O-negative blood cells are compatible with all blood types while O-positive cells are compatible with A-positive, B-positive, and AB-positive.

According to Vitalant, 46% of the population has some form of type O blood.

How to make a blood donation appointment

Vitalant said they have thousands of blood donation centers all over the country, including Colorado, and offer appointments at air-conditioned locations.

Donors of all blood types, but especially O, are asked to make an appointment either online or by calling 877-258-4825.

If you donate blood by July 27, you will automatically be entered to win a car worth $30,000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.