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Once again, the Red Cross is in such need of blood product donors that it has resorted to gift cards and contest entries to lure people in to help. And during this Trauma Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is placing particular emphasis on those who have Type O negative blood, which helps hospitals stay prepared for emergencies.
In fact, Type O blood of either kind is sought-after because it is so useful in hospitals.
"Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient's blood type in the most serious situations," the Red Cross said. "Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type."
And, Type O blood donors are also deemed Power Red donors, because they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation.
In a medical trauma situation, blood supplies can quickly be depleted -- and of course, donors of all types are necessary.
Through Friday, those donors can receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and be entered to win a trip to this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Seattle.
If you can't make it to a blood drive before Friday, your donation is still needed. Local blood drives scheduled in the coming weeks include:
• May 26: Chester American Legion, 404 Carolina Ave., Chester.
• June 5: Crossroads Christian Church, 110 Springdale Ave., Wintersville.
• June 7: Brightwood Center, 840 Lee Road, Follansbee.
• June 16: Glenn Mills Community Center, 7576 state Route 152, Richmond.
• June 19: Froehlich's Classic Corner, 501 Washington St., Steubenville.
• June 21: St. Florian Event Center, 286 Luray Drive, Wintersville.
• June 22: Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area, 350 Three Springs Drive, Weirton.
You -- yes, you -- have the ability to help; and no matter what blood type, supplies are worryingly low. Make an appointment, roll up your sleeves, and go make a difference.