By Daily Press staff
The Red Cross needs your blood. The American Red Cross has recently seen a decline in blood donations, and is currently appealing for Type O-negative blood.
Type O-negative blood is the “universal” donor, and is often used in emergencies. Currently, the Red Cross has only enough to sustain a seven-hour supply of O-negative blood.
The Red Cross also is dangerously low on other types of blood, being far from what officials normally deem an adequate supply.
“If a large-scale disaster caused hundreds of traumas, people could die from lack of blood,” said Cliff Numark, director of donor recruitment for American Red Cross Services, Southern California region.
In order to ensure the safety of all Southern California residents, it is imperative that the Red Cross has an adequate store of blood. The American Red Cross urges you to contribute because your donation could mean saving many lives. Any healthy person age 17 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800-GIVELIFE (1-800-448- 3543) or by visiting www.GiveLife.org. To organize a blood drive, call 1-800-491-2113. Surfing pros to instruct local children throughout the summer months
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 4, 2005. Read the original PDF.