O-Negative Blood Needed in Dakotas

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — United Blood Services is looking for people in the region to donate type O-negative blood, in part because of the recent blizzard in the western Dakotas.

O-negative is the universal donor blood type, meaning it can be given to anyone.

United Blood Services says the demand for O-negative blood recently has outpaced the supply. One reason is that the early October blizzard shut down blood drives and facilities in Rapid City.

O-negative blood also is in demand because only 6 percent of people have it.

United Blood Services has North Dakota offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Minot and South Dakota offices in Aberdeen, Mitchell and Rapid City. It collects blood for 93 hospitals.