Type O blood in critical short supply

We Are Blood, a provider of blood to Central Texas hospitals, is currently experiencing a critical shortage of O Negative and O Positive blood. With school starting, Labor Day weekend fast approaching, and the potential for severe weather in the area, the critical need for O Negative and Positive blood is anticipated to continue through the next two weeks.

Eligible donors — even those who do not know their blood type — are encouraged to take part in mobile drives or visit one of the three We Are Blood locations:

* AUSTIN NORTH: 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin.

* ROUND ROCK: 2132 North Mays, Ste. 900, Round Rock.

* AUSTIN SOUTH: 3100 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin.

We Are Blood serves over 40 hospitals and medical facilities in a 10-county area. These Central Texas hospitals depend on the steady supply of blood provided by We Are Blood to help ensure all of the patients served have access to blood when they need it the most.

O Negative and O Positive blood are most important due to their universal tendencies. O Negative blood is the universal blood type and can be transfused into any patient. O Positive blood is the most common blood type, which means many of our Central Texas patients can receive it.

Eligible donors must be in good health, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 115 pounds.

We Are Blood has been providing and protecting the Central Texas blood supply since 1951. By inspiring people to donate locally and take pride in this precious shared resource, We Are Blood is making sure all Central Texans will continue to have access to life-saving blood when they need it

For more information, to book an appointment at any of the three donation locations, or to view the mobile drive schedule, visit weareblood.org.