Type O blood supply reaches two-year low
Donors can schedule appointments online, through the app, or by phone
– A nonprofit blood provider is urging donors, especially those with Type O blood, to schedule appointments after the Type O blood supply dropped to its lowest level in two years.
Vitalant announced Monday that its Type O blood supply has steadily declined since May and recently reached a two-year low. The organization said thousands of blood donation appointments remain unfilled across the Central Coast through the end of July.
A patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion every two seconds, according to Vitalant. Type O is the most commonly transfused blood type and is especially important during emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Type O-negative blood can be transfused to any patient, while Type O-positive blood can be given to patients with positive blood types.
“Type O blood is always in high demand because it’s the most versatile and frequently used blood type for transfusions. Additionally, patients with type O-positive blood make up about 39% of the population, but they can only receive type O blood,” said Vitalant Executive Director Susan Noone. “When there’s a shortage, doctors may have to decide who can receive it immediately and who can wait. That is why maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is essential to ensure every patient gets the blood they need, especially when seconds count.”
Vitalant said travel and holiday activities during the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration further reduced donor turnout. The organization collected several thousand fewer blood donations during the holiday period.
Most people are eligible to donate blood, and the donation process takes about an hour.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting vitalant.org, using the Vitalant mobile app, or calling (877) 258-4825. Donors can give blood at one of four Vitalant donation centers on the Central Coast, including the San Luis Obispo donation center at 4119 Broad St., or at one of more than two dozen community blood drives held each week.
Donors who give blood through July 11 can receive a T-shirt while supplies last. Those who schedule an appointment using promo code JULYGIFT-2026-V will receive a $20 gift card through Vitalant Donor Rewards. Donors who give blood between July 9 and Aug. 8 will also be automatically entered into a drawing to win a vehicle valued at up to $30,000.
