Hospital patients need negative people: O-negative

New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center (NYBC), is asking for the public’s help to maintain an adequate supply of “universal” blood. People with O-negative blood are known as “universal donors” because their blood can be transfused into anyone in emergency rooms and trauma situations when there is no time for blood typing.

Each and every day there are patients — some who arrive in emergency rooms and others undergoing cancer treatment — who depend on the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma to stay alive. But blood can’t be manufactured. It can only come from volunteer blood donors who take an hour to attend a blood drive or visit a donor center.

New Jersey Blood Services announces that it is conducting blood drives in the area which are open to the public.

Jan. 17 — Shoprite, 90 ‑ 80 Route 206, Stanhope 1 to 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — Saint Kateri Parish, 427 Stanhope Road, Sparta 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jan. 20 — Prince of Peace Church, 3320 Route 94, Hamburg 1 to 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — Glen Meadow Middle School, 7 Sammis Road, Vernon 3 to 9 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Community House, 2 Kennedy Road, Tranquility 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Shoprite, 125 Water Street, Newton 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive call toll free 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive. NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer months.