Urgent Blood Donations Are Needed For Emergency Blood Shortage In Nevada

Local nonprofit organization Vitalant is requesting blood donations from anyone who is able to make an appointment this month. There is a drastic shortage of all blood types that are needed to save lives here in Nevada and nationwide.

The shortage comes from an ongoing struggle during summer months to maintain a critical blood supply. Because of summer breaks and vacations, donors are not as available. Also, some companies or individuals who usually host drives for blood donations are not as available either. The fourth of July weekend tends to exacerbate the problem, making July a very unstable month for donations.

But type O is especially needed as it is the most transfused type. This is because type O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency. This is especially vital for those emergencies where there isn't time to determine a patient's blood type. Type O-positive is also highly needed because it can be transfused into anyone that has any positive blood type.

And while type O is the most universal, all blood types are needed right now. Currently, there is less than a 3-day supply of all blood types to help individuals in need. These blood donations are used to treat patients with chronic illnesses and cancers. But they're also needed for emergencies.

And that's another factor that makes summertime more difficult for blood donation service centers. Due to summer breaks, a lot more outdoor activity happens, which increases the rate of injuries and medical emergencies.

Vitalant is asking for anyone who is able to help. Donations can be made in Southern Nevada at one of the following locations:

Las Vegas – West Charleston: 6930 W. Charleston Blvd.
Henderson – Green Valley: 601 Whitney Ranch Dr. Bldg. D, Ste 20
Las Vegas – Northwest: 4950 W. Craig Rd.

When you're asked for your blood type, could you tell whoever is asking for certain what it is?

A new survey was done and believe it or not, fifty-one percent of Americans know their blood type. That means a whopping forty-nine percent don't know their blood type!

Next question asked, what is your horoscope sign? Sixty-six percent of Americans know their horoscope sign! Think it's safe to say that if you were in a life or death emergency and asked what you blood type was, you'd be in a tough situation! And telling them your horoscope sign won't save you either.

If you're going into surgery or have a procedure, then the doctors will order a test to find out what your blood type is, but it's not something you can just call your doctor and ask.

Now this survey also asked who they get their health advice from and sadly twenty-two percent of the people said "social media influencers!" Probably something you shouldn't do either. Especially since the "social media influencers" don't know your blood type!

We have more on this story and more in today's Editions of a Few Things You Should Know!

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You would think more would know what their blood type is but just a little more than half of Americans know it and it should be A LOT MORE!

Not knowing your blood type could be a matter of life or death. So you'd think that percent would be higher. As stated above, that is clear not the case. That's why when asked what their horoscope sign is, sixty-six percent knew it! A whole fifteen percent more! And like I mentioned, knowing your horoscope will NOT potentially save your life. But if they want to know who their compatible with, then they're in luck!

It's obvious that knowing your horoscope is based off of your date of birth. But your blood type? How do you figure it out? You need call your doctor and have blood work done. When you get your blood word, your doctor will put in a request to know blood type. Then they'll have it on file for whenever you call for it. There are instances where you go for a procedure and your blood type is tested to know what blood is needed in case of an emergency.

It's sad that this is even a thing, but let's STOP! "Social media influencers" shouldn't be your main source of medical advice. There are a bunch medical professionals on social media giving advice, but it's still best to get your info from your doctor directly!

Sixty-three percent said they actually do get health care information from their health care provider, which is exactly who they should get it from. Sadly fifty-two percent are still using the internet!

- Wendy Rush, 96.3 KKLZ

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