United Blood Services issues emergency appealLagging blood donations over the holidays spurred United Blood Services to issue an emergency appeal this week. Donors are urgently needed across the state to help replenish the region's blood supply.“Blood usage has outpaced donations,” said Mike Frigon, a senior donor recruitment representative for the Big Horn Basin.

The organization is not in a critical stage, Frigon said, but blood is needed to bring supplies back to a normal level.

“We don't want to give people the impression that we don't have any blood,” Frigon said. “But we do want to maintain a steady flow of blood donations so that when it's needed, we have it ready.”

Frigon said from Thanksgiving through New Years, residents are busy with holiday activities and travel plans, and often don't take the time to donate blood. Sicknesses also kick in around the holiday season, and donors can't give blood if they're unhealthy.

“We need all healthy, eligible people to donate at the drives in their communities,” Frigon said Tuesday.

Several blood drives are planned around the region in January, which is National Blood Donor Month.

West Park Hospital in Cody hosts a blood drive on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. In Powell, a two-day drive is slated for 1-7 p.m. on Jan. 27 and noon-6 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Park County Fairgrounds.

Also on Jan. 27, Lovell High School will host a blood drive from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors under 18 must have signed permission forms from a parent or guardian.

To schedule a donation appointment, visit www.bloodhero.com (sponsor code: powell).

All blood types are needed, but O-negative blood is the universal type that can stabilize patients during emergencies.

Only 6 percent of the population has O-negative blood, Frigon added.

“The No. 1 reason people don't donate blood is because they're not asked,” Frigon said. “We are just asking people to donate ... one pint calculates to helping save three people's lives.”

If residents gave three or more times a year, it would help prevent blood shortage emergencies such as the current one, Frigon said.

The last emergency appeal for the Wyoming region was seven months ago, according to the Associated Press.

“We're relying on people's time and the goodness of their hearts to donate blood,” Frigon said.