Type O blood supply hits two-year low, Vitalant offers donor incentives

Vitalant, a nonprofit blood services provider, is facing a critical shortage of type O blood and is urging eligible donors to schedule an appointment to give blood.

Since May, the organization's supply of type O blood has steadily declined and recently reached its lowest level in two years. Vitalant said thousands of donation appointments remain available nationwide and need to be filled to help replenish the supply.

"Type O blood is always in high demand because it's the most versatile and frequently used blood type for transfusions. Additionally, patients with type O-positive blood make up about 39% of the population, but they can only receive type O blood," Amie Rawson, senior vice president of donor services at Vitalant, said in a press release.

Rawson said blood shortages can force doctors to make difficult decisions about which patients receive available blood first, prioritizing those with the most critical needs.

"That is why maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is essential to ensure every patient gets the blood they need, especially when seconds count," Rawson said.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment online, through the Vitalant mobile app or by calling 877-25-VITAL.

As an incentive, donors who give blood by July 11 will receive a free T-shirt. Those who schedule an appointment using the promo code JULYGIFT-2026-V are also eligible to receive a $20 gift card while supplies last.

Additionally, anyone who donates between July 9 and Aug. 8 will be entered for a chance to win a car.