NewsLocal News7 Buffalo Strong

Actions

With less than a three-day local supply of type O blood, ConnectLife calls for donors

Posted at 4:13 PM, Sep 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-22 16:14:01-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — ConnectLife is putting out an urgent call for blood donors, as type O blood supplies drop below a three-day range locally.

ConnectLife, formerly known as Unyts, supplies 70% of Western New York's blood for transfusions. It is the primary blood supplier for many Western New York hospitals, including ECMC, Eastern Niagara Health, Kaleida Health hospitals, the Brooks-TLC Health System and more. Type O is extremely important to these hospitals. O positive blood is the most commonly transfused blood type. O negative blood is also important for hospitals because it is "the universal blood type." It can be given to patients in emergency situations when healthcare workers don't know the patient's blood type.

Anyone with O negative or O positive blood can make an appointment with ConnectLife online, or by calling 716-529-4270.

All donations to ConnectLife stay in Western New York.