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Give blood.
Type O is the most needed blood group by hospitals, but donations aren't keeping up with patient needs, according to the American Red Cross.
Type O-positive and O-negative blood are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
Red Cross Biomedical Services is the largest single supplier of blood and blood products in the U.S.
The Red Cross says it's tackling the blood shortage one donation at a time.
To incentive people to give blood, the nonprofit is offering donors a chance to win Super Bowl tickets to Las Vegas for Feb. 11. You can sign up online at rcblood.org/3tZwylK.
So here is the criteria for giving whole blood donations:
Donation frequency: Every 56 days, up to six times a year.
You must be in good health and feeling well.
You must be at least 16 years old in most states.
You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
"Feeling well" means you can perform normal activities.
If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes and you want to donate blood, it's important that you are being treated and the condition is under control. If you're not feeling well on the day of your donation, please contact the Red Cross to reschedule.
Whole blood is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets.
Every day, whole blood donations help save the lives of children and adults fighting to survive cancer, blood disorders, traumatic injuries and more.
Please, call toll free at (800) 733-2767 to schedule your blood donation today.