Critical need for O-Negative, AB-Negative and B-Negative blood donations at Stanford Blood Center

Due to a sudden shortage of blood types O-Negative, AB-Negative and B-Negative, local residents are being asked to donate at Stanford Blood Center as soon as possible to ensure local patient needs are met.

The Menlo Park location of the Center is at 445 Burgess Drive, Suite 100. It is open six days a week, including tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 23, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

A liver transplant surgery, pediatric heart surgery and pediatric leukemia treatments are examples of recent patient usage, and combined with fewer blood donations this time of year, have created a perfect storm that has led to a severe blood shortage.

“We’ve put the call out to our current donors, and now we’re appealing to others in the community for their help,” said Loren Magaña, Stanford Blood Center spokesperson. “Patient usage of these blood types has reached a critical point so we’re asking the public to please donate in the coming week.”

Donors should be in good health with no cold or flu symptoms. They must eat well prior to donation, drink fluids and present their photo identification at the time of donation. The process only takes about an hour. Call 888-723-7831 to make an appointment.

There are also centers in Palo Alto and Mountain View.