January is National Blood Donor Month, and United Blood Services is calling on the community for donations. They are in critical need for O-Negative blood.
United Blood Services in Lubbock uses about 135 pints of blood each day and is always in need of donations.
During the holidays, United Blood Services sees their emptiest shelves. Brandon Baker, Regional Recruitment Manager, said this is because of increased travel and travel-related accidents. The increase in cold and flu numbers is also a factor that keeps donors home.
“With people being so busy during the holidays, people do not think to come in and donate during the month of January,” Baker said. “Currently we are in critical need of O-Negative because it is the universal blood donor. We also need all types because it is short supply.”
The blood donation process can take about 45 minutes, but all of the blood donations require a two-day testing process before it can be used.
