First Lutheran Church to host blood drive July 30

Every 2 to 3 seconds, someone in this country needs blood, and the types most often in need are O-negative and O-positive.

Only 6 percent of the population has O negative blood, but it is the universal blood type, which means that anyone can receive it. In emergency or trauma situations, when there is no time to cross-match the donor's blood with the patient's, O negative blood is the type most often used.

Approximately 37 percent of the population has O positive blood, which is the next commonly transfused blood type due to its high compatibility with other types. Having a strong supply of O-negative and O-positive blood is critical to meeting patient needs.

It is essential for type O blood donors to give regularly in order to get the right blood products to area patients. It is also why people who have never given blood before are encouraged to try. The next opportunity to donate blood will be Monday, July 30 at First Lutheran Church, from 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Contact Gail Weisenbuger at (701) 653-5859 to make an appointment or call United Blood Services at 1-800-917-4929 for more information.

To save time, donors can now fill out their health history questionnaire online at

http://www.unitedbloodservices.org the day of their donation. To donate blood, volunteers must be at least 16 years old (16 or 17 year old donors need a minor donor permit which is available online) and be in good health.