COEUR d’ALENE — Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is facing a critical shortage of type O blood and urges all donors, especially those with type O, to make an appointment now for the days ahead.  

Vitalant Mobile Recruitment Manager Jacob Bird said that when there’s a shortage, doctors may have to decide who can receive it immediately and who can wait.  

“That is why maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is essential to ensure every patient gets the blood they need, especially when seconds count,” Bird said. 

Since May, the type O blood supply has decreased and recently dropped to a two-year low. 

Between now and the end of July, thousands of blood donation appointments in the Inland Northwest still need to be filled to keep up with the shortage. 

Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs a transfusion. O blood type is the most transfused.  

Type O blood is especially lifesaving in emergencies when medical staff don’t have time to determine a patient’s blood type.  

“Type O blood is always in high demand because it’s the most versatile and frequently used blood type for transfusions,” Bird said. “Additionally, patients with type O-positive blood make up about 39% of the population, but they can only receive type O blood.” 

O-negative blood can help any patient. O-positive can help anyone with a positive blood type. 

The already low blood supply was further affected by travel and holiday-related activities. 

AAA estimated another record for the Independence Day holiday travel week. Vitalant collected several thousand fewer blood donations during that time. 

It only takes an hour to make a lifesaving difference. Most people are eligible to donate blood.  

Blood donors of all types, especially those with type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment at vitalant.org, by downloading and using the Vitalant app, or by calling 877-258-4825. 

Donors can give at any of five Vitalant donation centers in the Inland Northwest, including the Coeur d’Alene location at 405 W. Neider Ave., or at any of over two dozen community blood drives held each week. 

All donors who donate with Vitalant by July 11 can receive their choice of T-shirt while supplies last, and those who schedule an appointment using promo code JULYGIFT-2026-V will receive a $20 gift card in Vitalant Donor Rewards.