The blood center said O-positive and O-negative donations are urgently needed so local hospitals can treat the victims injured in the shooting.
AUSTIN, Texas — We Are Blood is calling for donations after two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a shooting on West Sixth Street in Downtown Austin on Sunday morning. Police said the gunman was also shot and killed.
We Are Blood said O-positive and O-negative donations are urgently needed so local hospitals can treat the victims injured in the shooting. Blood transfusions are critically important for treating gunshot victims, the blood center said.
“Our hearts are with the victims and families of the tragic shooting overnight in Downtown Austin,” We Are Blood said. “As our community mourns and processes, we will also pull together.”
The blood bank relies heavily on O-blood type because it’s universal and any patient, regardless of their blood type, can benefit from it. Type O is frequently in short supply and in high demand during shortages.
To donate, a person needs to be 17 or older and weigh at least 115 lbs.
Anyone wanting to donate blood is asked to make an appointment through the We Are Blood website.