Vitalant announces critical shortage as Type O blood supply dips to two-year low

Publisher’s note: Following the Fourth of July holiday weekend, nonprofit Vitalant reports a critical shortage of Type O blood — the lowest national supply in two years. According to Vitalant about half the population has Type O blood, the blood type most often needed for emergencies and trauma care, and most people are eligible to donate. Every donation can help replenish the blood supply and support patients who depend on lifesaving transfusions. Vitalant urges all blood donors, especially those with type O blood, to make an appointment now to give in the coming days and weeks.

Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is facing a critical shortage of type O blood and urges all donors, especially those with type O, to make an appointment now for the days ahead.

Since May, the type O blood supply has decreased and recently dropped to a two-year low. Between now and the end of July, thousands of donation appointments throughout Northern Nevada still need to be filled to boost the blood supply.

Why Type O blood is critical
Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs a transfusion, and O blood is the most transfused blood type. It is especially lifesaving in emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. O-blood can help any patient. O+ blood can help anyone with a positive blood type.

“Type O blood is always in high demand because it’s the most versatile and frequently used blood type for transfusions. Additionally, patients with type O+ blood make up about 39 percent of the population, but they can only receive type O blood,” Vitalant Area Vice President, Michael Martinez, said. “When there’s a shortage, doctors may have to decide who can receive it immediately and who can wait. That is why maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is essential to ensuring every patient gets the blood they need, especially when seconds count.”

Fewer donors during the July Fourth holiday
America’s 250th birthday compounded an already low blood supply as travel and holiday-related activities affected donor turnout. AAA estimated another record for the Independence Day holiday travel week, and Vitalant collected several thousand fewer blood donations during that time.

How to help
Most people are eligible to donate blood, and it only takes an hour to make a lifesaving difference.

Blood donors of all types, especially those with type O, and platelet donors, are urged to make an appointment at one of Vitalant’s three air-conditioned Reno area donation centers or community-hosted blood drives by visiting vitalant.org, downloading and using the Vitalant app, or calling (877) 25-VITAL ((877) 258-4825).

Vitalant is partnered with 2 News Nevada for our 19th annual Give2Live blood drive held at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa July 7 and July 8

Visit vitalant.org/give2live to learn more and make an appointment.

As a special thank you to all who answer the call during this critical time, all donors who show up to donate with Vitalant by July 11 can receive their choice of T-shirt while supplies last, and those who schedule an appointment using promo code JULYGIFT-2026-V will receive a $20 gift card in Vitalant Donor Rewards

Plus, starting July 9 through Aug. 8, all Vitalant donors will automatically be entered to win a car (valued up to $30,000).