Type O+ Blood Donors Critically Needed, Inova Says

FAIRFAX, VA — A surge in cardiac patients in need of blood has wiped out reserves and there is a pressing need for donors, especially those with O+ blood, Inova hospitals said Friday. The summer months are always a difficult season for blood collection and often result in critically low inventory.

All blood types are needed, but Type O+ is the most urgent need at this time and will help the most patients, the hospital system said in a news release. Currently, Inova has a one-day supply of Type O+ blood.

If you are eligible to donate, make an appointment or walk in to an Inova Blood Donor Center to give blood. From now until Aug. 6, O+ donors will receive a $10 gift card as a special thank you.

Inova Blood Donor Services supports all five Inova hospitals, as well as 13 other hospitals in the region. Three donor centers in Northern Virginia are open seven days a week.

If you are unable to visit a donor center, Inova has several blood drives in the coming weeks.

• Saturday, Aug. 3: Stratford Recreation Association, Fort Hunt
• Wednesday, Aug. 7: Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, Leesburg
• Wednesday, Aug. 7: Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax
• Thursday, Aug. 8: Burke Volunteer Fire Department, Burke

Find a blood drive close to you.

Facts about giving blood

At age 16, with parental consent, you can begin donating blood. There is no age limit, as long as you feel healthy.

Donor eligibility has been updated in recent months with fewer restrictions based on sexual orientation and among people who previously resided in Europe – view comprehensive eligibility list

It only takes about 60 minutes from start to finish to donate — that includes completing the Donor History Questionnaire, a mini-physical, donating and then getting a snack after donating.

Donors are eligible to donate whole blood every 56 days.