Blood centers need type O-negative donations

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December 31, 2008 - 10:43 AM

The Monitor

McALLEN -- If you have type O-negative blood, United Blood Services needs your help.

The blood center has run out of pints of that particular type, which can be given to any recipient regardless of their blood type.

"We are in a very critical situation right now," said Rose Lucero-Mercado, marketing and communications manager of United Blood Services.

United Blood Services usually keeps a supply of at least 30 pints of O-negative blood, but oftentimes once the center receives that type blood, it immediately is sent to area hospitals. Hospitals use O-negative blood in emergency cases because they don't have time to cross match a donor with a recipient, Lucero-Mercado said.

Donors can give blood at the following locations:

McAllen Center, 1400 S. Sixth St.

Today, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Brownsville Center, 2370 Central Blvd.

Today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday, 12-7 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The centers will be closed on New Year's Day.

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