Across Iowa and the nation, hospitals are facing a critical shortage of type O blood. This shortage is especially concerning because O-negative blood is the universal donor type – it can be used in emergency situations when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Meanwhile, O-positive is the most common blood type, making it vital for the majority of patients who rely on transfusions.

When supplies of type O blood run low, it impacts every hospital and every patient in need: trauma victims, cancer patients, premature babies, maternity patients and countless others. Right now, shelves are thin, and patients in our own communities are counting on us.

The good news is that each of us can help. A single donation has the power to save up to three lives. It’s an incredible act of generosity that takes less than an hour, but leaves a lasting impact on families across Iowa.

As chief medical officer for UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge, I am asking all eligible community members, especially those with type O blood, to step forward and donate in the coming weeks. Your gift of blood ensures that when emergencies happen, our hospitals have the lifesaving supply they need.

We need you – and it’s easy for you to help your friends and neighbors by giving blood anytime at the LifeServe Blood Center in Fort Dodge. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome. To schedule your donation, visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800-287-4903. I urge you to make an appointment and donate today — you will save lives with this simple act.

Dr. Kelli Wallace is the chief medical officer at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge.