Stanford Blood Center is facing an urgent need for O- blood types

Published on July 11, 2022

When schools let out for summer and families go on vacation, it presents a challenging time for collecting blood. As a result, Stanford Blood Center is facing an immediate need for all blood types, especially type O negative (O-) blood, and is asking residents to come out and donate to help meet the needs of local patients. Blood donors are strongly encouraged to give in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply to sustainable levels.

Blood donation appointments can be made through the online scheduler for the Menlo Park donor center or call 888-723-7831.

Health benefits from donating blood:

Satisfaction of saving lives of many people and helping others.
Calorie burn: blood donation process burns 650 calories, which is about the same as an average spin class.
Reduced risk of heart disease: helps eliminate excess buildup of iron in the blood.
Reduced risk of cancer: also due to reduction of excess iron buildup in the blood.
Stimulates blood cell production: after donating blood, the body works to replenish the blood loss. This stimulates the production of new blood cells and in turn, helps in maintaining good health.

Donors should be in good health with no cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms. Be sure to eat well before donation, drink fluids, and bring a photo ID to your donation. Eligibility information can be found at stanfordbloodcenter.org/eligibility or by calling 888-723-7831.