Negative Blood Type Donors Needed
By: Shayla Patrick
Updated: June 12, 2012
JOPLIN, MO - The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has less than a three day supply of all negative blood types. When this happens they go into a code yellow state to alert the community of the need for more blood.
Any blood donations are encouraged but the center is especially low on O negative blood, which is always in high demand because it is a universal donor. Organizers say donations typically slow down during the summer because people take vacations and schools aren't hosting blood drives. But supply shortages like this one have administrators a bit apprehensive.
"We are used to having a five day supply," says Karen Ringler, Donor Room Supervisor at The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks in Joplin. "Three days or less is very limited so it can be a little scary," she adds.
The CBCO is located inside of the main entrance of the Northpark Mall. They are open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Any blood donations are encouraged but the center is especially low on O negative blood, which is always in high demand because it is a universal donor. Organizers say donations typically slow down during the summer because people take vacations and schools aren't hosting blood drives. But supply shortages like this one have administrators a bit apprehensive.
"We are used to having a five day supply," says Karen Ringler, Donor Room Supervisor at The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks in Joplin. "Three days or less is very limited so it can be a little scary," she adds.
The CBCO is located inside of the main entrance of the Northpark Mall. They are open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
