Call issued for O-negative blood donations

The Columbia office of the American Red Cross says there is a need for type O negative blood donations in the area.

People with type O negative blood are often called universal donors because their blood type can be transfused into patients of any blood type in a life-threatening emergency with reduced chance of rejection.

If you have Type O negative blood and eligible to donate blood, you are asked to contact the Red Cross and set up an appointment.

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

This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Call issued for O-negative blood donations."