Monday, January 11, 2010 10:38 am

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, please consider donating blood at a Red Cross blood drive or donor center near you.

Locally, you may give blood on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Lions Club Building located at 540 W. Adams St. in Woodbury.

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.