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Blood Bank Needs O-Positive and O-Negative Urgently
January is National Blood Donor Month
By Heather Hintze
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ANCHORAGE - The Blood Bank of Alaska is in short supply of O-positive and O-negative blood.
Development Officer Rebecca Parker said there are usually around 100 donors a month, but recently that’s dropped to 85.
If the community pitches in, the shortfall shouldn’t last long. Forty percent of people have O-positive blood and while only seven percent are O-negative -- the latter blood is the universal red cell donation type and can be given to everyone, regardless of the recipient’s blood type.
“January is National Blood Donor Month and we encourage our blood donors to give three to four times a year. And one hour is what it takes to give a donation and it can save up to three lives,” said Parker.
The Blood Bank sent out an email to regular donors who were happy to answer the call. “I think it's just part of being a good member of society. It's something I'm capable of doing, I haven't been kicked out of the pool and it gives me a good sense of helping other people out when they're in need,” said Matthew Mannhardt, an O-positive donor.
Fewer than five percent of Alaskans donate blood. To make an appointment, call 222-5630.
