There’s an emergency shortage of “Type O” blood in Colorado: How you can help.

There’s an emergency shortage of “Type O” blood in Colorado: How you can help.

Denver area residents are being called upon to assist in replenishing the blood supply by scheduling a donation in the upcoming days and weeks. Vitalant has reported a critical shortage of type O blood, with a 30% decrease in donations during the Fourth of July week and a general decrease in donor turnout this summer.

Type O blood levels have reached an 18-month low, making it essential to replenish this supply. Type O blood is crucial for emergency situations due to its universal compatibility. O-negative can be given to patients of any blood type, while O-positive can be used for those with a positive blood type.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This could be a little girl in the ICU or a mother with Stage 3 leukemia. If you’re worried about needles, don’t be—most blood donors compare the experience to a mild, split-second pinch!

The entire process is very safe and very fast, and you will feel amazing knowing you potentially saved up to three people.

Vitalant is encouraging all donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule a donation appointment. To make an appointment, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL.

Vitalant has donation centers in Denver, Colorado Springs, Golden, Boulder, Greeley, Littleton, Parker, Westminster and Highlands Ranch. Also watch for mobile locations and pop-up blood drives.

To help encourage donations, through July 27, donors will automatically be entered to win a new car (valued up to $30,000).

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