Amarillo’s Coffee Memorial Has Only 65 Units of O-Negative Left

Life can change in the blink of an eye: a bad wreck, unforeseen surgery, or an emergency no one saw coming. This could happen to anyone here in Amarillo, and any of those emergencies could wipe out the blood supply. Right now, the Coffee Memorial Blood Center is down to just 65 units of O-negative blood. That may sound like a lot, but it isn't. Three to four severe traumas, and that blood is gone, leaving Amarillo without life-saving blood.

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Amarillo's Blood Supply Is Running on Empty

The average daily use of all blood types in Amarillo is about 150 units. However, the one blood type that can be given to anyone is O-negative.

Why O-Negative Matters So Much Right Now

O-negative blood can be given to anyone in an emergency. This means if there is no time to type a person's blood or it is unknown, O-negative blood can be given to them. O-negative is a rare blood type, and only 1 in 14 people have O-negative blood.

According to Our Blood Institute (OBI), which runs the Coffee Memorial Blood Center, when blood supplies run this low, blood centers work together to share blood products. However, shortages are occurring across the board, which makes moving those blood products around difficult.

That's why it is more important now than ever to donate blood.

How the Shortage Could Affect You and Your Family

The blood shortage will affect Amarillo residents in more ways than one. Blood is used for more than just emergencies. Cancer patients need it. Childbirth complications need it. And if it runs out, surgeries get delayed.

We are on the verge of the 4th of July, and if the blood supply is in emergent need now, it will get worse. Traumatic injuries increase to over 50% on the 4th of July. If we are this low now, then it could turn tragically low in the next few weeks unless you donate.

The time to act is now.

It could be you or a family member in the emergency room needing blood, and you would want that blood available to save your life or your family's.

Right now, the emergent need is for O-negative and B-negative donations. Donors of all blood types are asked to come forward and donate.

How to Donate Blood in Amarillo

You can schedule your donation online or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome at the Coffee Memorial Blood Center, 7500 Wallace Blvd. You can also donate at mobile blood drives.

Anyone 16 and over can donate blood. However, some stipulations apply to minors. Those 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and have parental permission, and 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds. Those 18 and over must weigh at least 110 pounds. All donors must present a photo ID.

It takes about an hour of your time to donate blood. Your one donation could save up to three lives.

Read More: Coffee Memorial Blood Center Is Rewarding Donors With Free Summer Park Tickets

What You Get for Donating

By donating, not only are you helping to save lives and replenish the blood supply, but you'll also receive a few perks. All eligible donors will receive the Red, White & True t-shirt and a free ticket to the theme park of your choice: Frontier City, Hurricane Harbor, or Magic Springs Theme and Water Park.

If you have never donated or it's been a while, then now is the time to make a difference.  One hour, one pint, 3 lives saved.