FRESNO– The Central California Blood Center is urging those with type O-negative blood to donate at the centers due to a shortage of supply.

The Central California Blood Center announced an urgent need for O-negative blood donors after their O-negative blood supply dropped to less than one day supply. The announcement explains that without immediate donations, hospitals may face challenges with maintaining adequate supplies for emergency care and critically ill infants.

“When every second counts the hospitals, the doctors in emergency care reach for the O-negative blood, because there’s no time to do blood typing, and it’s really the safest blood you can administer,” said Abby Minong, director of public relations and marketing in an interview.

Minong explained there have been a lot of trauma patients and surgery patients in the local hospitals which has led to the need for O-negative blood. She noted the blood center is also seeking people with O-positive blood types to come donate blood as well.

According to the announcement, O-negative blood is the universal blood type, which means the blood can be compatible with any person. It is essential that hospitals have a supply for trauma patients, emergency surgeries and vulnerable newborns.

Donors have been encouraged to donate as soon as possible in the announcement.

Minong said there is an eligibility list on their website for people that are interested in donating blood to ensure that they are eligible to donate. She noted that most people are eligible to give blood.

Between Tulare and Fresno counties, there are five blood centers. In Tulare County, there’s a Central California Blood Center location in Visalia at 2245 W. Caldwell Avenue.

In Fresno County, there are four, and three of them are in Fresno at: 4343 W. Herndon Ave., 1196 E. Shaw Ave. and 1010 E. Perrin Avenue. There is also one Central California Blood Center Location in Clovis at 645 Herndon Avenue.

“Every donation can make an immediate difference for patients throughout Central California,” said Christine Hayes, President and CEO of Central California Blood Center in the announcement.