United Blood Services in northern Nevada is urging people to donate after the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of 49 patrons and injured at least 53 others at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Reno Public Radio’s Marcus Lavergne reports:
There are concerns over a shortage of blood for victims involved in the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.
“So, O Pos and O Neg, there is definitely a need..."
Mary Meeker with UBS in Reno says they've sent around twenty units of blood, but sending more could negatively impact the already-light supply in the area.
"Platelet products are only good for about 5 days so there’s always a need because they expire so quickly. We’re just kind of sending what we can, but at the same time we’re running low on some types ourselves.”
The demand for O Negative blood is high because it’s “universal,” which means it can be given to anyone regardless of blood type.
Meeker says more participation could help replenish the supply in the region and allow for greater support for the victims of Saturday night's tragedy.