(Photo Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — The American Red Cross is making a plea for blood donations and particularly Type O blood during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs including emergencies.

Type O negative blood donors are especially needed now.

“Trauma situations can quickly deplete hospital blood banks. During Trauma Awareness Month, the American Red Cross needs donors to help ensure a strong, stable blood supply is available at a moment’s notice,” Sharon Kesselring, executive director, American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, said. “Type O negative blood donors are especially critical for emergencies.”

Type O negative is the universal blood type. It is the blood type emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.

Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are often given to trauma and surgery patients. Type O blood donors are ideal Power Red donors, which means they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation.

More people are able to give a Power Red donation. The minimum height has changed to 5-foot-3 for female donors.

Local blood donation events have been scheduled through May 31:

* Monday: South Parkersburg Baptist Church, 1655 Blizzard Drive.

* Friday: 9 a.m., Parkersburg Blood Donation Center, 3210 Dudley Ave.

* May 16: noon, Gilman United Methodist Church, 312 Gilman Ave., Marietta.

* May 19: 9 a.m., Parkersburg Blood Donation Center, 3210 Dudley Ave.

* May 22: 1 p.m., YMCA of Parkersburg, 1800 30th St.

* May 26: 9 a.m., Parkersburg Blood Donation Center, 3210 Dudley Ave.

As a thank-you, all who give until May 19 will receive a $10 e-gift card. Those who donate May 20-31 will get an exclusive Red Cross beach towel while supplies last.

All who donate through May 31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Seattle.

To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.