Posted: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 12:39 pm

Low holiday donor turnout and harsh winter weather throughout much of the country is severely impacting the supply of Type O-negative blood.

Nationwide, there is currently less than a day and a half supply of O-negative blood and it’s expected to drop to even lower levels in the coming days and weeks.

Although every blood type is important, people with type O-negative blood are particularly in demand because they are the "universal donor." This means people of all blood types can safely receive type O-negative blood, so it is used during life-threatening emergencies or when the matching blood type is in short supply.

If you have Type O-negative blood, consider donating blood at a Red Cross blood drive or donor center near you.

Locally, you may give blood on the following dates:
• Sunday, Jan. 17, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at LifePoint Church located at 506 Legacy Drive in Smyrna.
• Monday, Jan. 18, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at North Rutherford YMCA located at 2001 Motlow College St. in Smyrna.

In addition, the Murfreesboro Donor Center is open:
• 1st, 4th and 5th Sunday, 7 a.m. to 12 noon
• Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 18)
• Tuesday & Wednesday, Closed
• Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon

Text redcross to 42227 or register online at redcrossblood.org to receive emergency inventory updates.

How to Donate Blood:
Log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment.

All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitwww.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.