Local Red Cross short on supply
Gilroy – A critical shortage of Type O blood has led the Northern California Red Cross blood centers to urge donors to come forward. For 21 days, the centers have had less than one day’s supply of the particular blood type.
Gilroy residents can help the cause by coming out for the monthly blood drives sponsored by the American Red Cross or by visiting a local Red Cross Center in San Jose to donate.
It is the first time in five years that the blood supply has been low for so many days. The Red Cross aims to have three days worth of the blood supply on hand and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends a five- to seven-day supply in case of disasters.
Type O blood is not more rare than other blood types, said Red Cross spokesperson Sara O’Brien.
She said 38 percent of the population has Type O positive blood. Type O negative is slightly more rare and it has the special property of working for people with blood types A, B and O so in emergencies it can be given to patients who have not yet had their blood typed.
A 2001 study by the American Red Cross found that communities with a higher population of Hispanic Americans, such as Gilroy, and African Americans, have a higher percentage of donors with Type O Blood.
Blood banks are trying to bring in more minorities who do not traditionally donate because studies have shown that blood from someone with a similar ethnic background is less likely to cause a negative reaction in patients, O’Brien said.
Donate blood
To find out about upcoming blood drives in Gilroy or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-Give-Life (448-3543) or visit www.BeADonor.com.
Upcoming drives:
Thursday, Aug. 11
First Baptist Church of Gilroy
8455 Wren Ave.
1:30pm to 6:30pm
Thursday, Sept. 8
First Baptist Church of Gilroy
8455 Wren Ave.
1:30pm to 6:30pm
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Gilroy High School – students and staff only
750 W. Tenth St.
8am to 1pm
Thursday, Oct. 13
First Baptist Church of Gilroy
8455 Wren Ave.
1:30pm to 6:30pm
The Red Cross also has appointments six days a week in San Jose.
San Jose Red Cross Center
2731 North First St.
Monday – 7:30am to 2:30pm
Tuesday – 11:30am to 7pm
Wednesday – 11:30am to 7pm
Thursday – 11:30am to 6:30pm
Friday – 7:30am to 3pm
Saturday – 7:30am to 3pm
