With the O positive blood supply at critical levels, Texas-based Carter BloodCare is offering a perk to motivate donors.

 

 

Through July 31, the nonprofit blood center will award $25 worth of e-gift cards to each O positive whole blood or double red cell donor. While all blood types are essential, recent O positive donations have not kept pace with patient needs.

Critical status means there is less than a day’s supply of blood on hand. This has led to surgeries and medical treatments being postponed until the community supply is replenished.

At least 39% of the U.S. population is type O positive, making it the most common blood type. O positive is used in treating traumatic bleeding – often due to life-threatening traffic accidents – and in other medical emergencies.

Though it takes only one hour to give, blood donations typically drop during the summer as student donors go on break, an important point since 25% of the community blood supply is collected through high school blood drives. Also, as more people travel out of town for summer vacations, blood donations can dip.

 

Carter BloodCare anticipates and prepares for the annual drop, though this season’s slump is more severe than in past years.

To set an appointment or to find the nearest donor center or mobile blood drive, visit CarterBloodCare.org.