American Red Cross in Need of Type O Negative Blood Donations

There's been an increased need lately for type O negative blood donors, the American Red Cross has announced.

Type O blood can be transferred to those in need with any blood type of their own and is often used in emergency situations, the ARC wrote in a news release.

"Type O negative donors are an important part of the Red Cross trauma team," said Nick Gehrig, communications director for Red Cross Blood Services. "Type O negative blood is necessary in emergency situations because there is no time to determine a patient's blood type."

Here's just a few of the other benefits of donating, via the American Red Cross.

• It feels great to donate!
• You get free juice and delicious cookies.
• It's something you can spare – most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.
• You will help ensure blood is on the shelf when needed– most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.
• You will be someone's hero – in fact, you could help save more than one life with just one donation.

• To donate, appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).