The Red Cross Is in Dire Need of Type O Blood. Here's How You Can Help

If you've ever thought about donating blood and happen to have type O, now would be a good time to take action. The Red Cross issued a statement this week calling for donors to help offset what's become a massive shortage of the blood type.

The organization said that an average of 12 units of type O is needed for every 100,000 people on a daily basis. Currently, only six units are available. The Red Cross cites spring break schedules and end-of-school-year activities as reasons blood donations in local communities have temporarily diminished.

Of the eight most common blood types (A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, AB-), type O is needed because type O- is the universal blood type. If emergency room technicians don't have time to assess a critical patient's blood type, they opt for type O-, which is carried by approximately 7 percent of the population but can be used for any kind of blood transfusion. Type O+ can be used for any patient with a positive blood type and is found in 38 percent of the population.

Donors can find Red Cross locations and schedule an appointment through the organization's Blood Donor app, by going to redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donations made through June 10 will be rewarded with a $5 Amazon gift card.