TAMPA BAY, FL — As the long Memorial Day weekend approaches, OneBlood has put out an urgent call for donors.

The Tampa Bay area's main supplier of blood products, OneBlood says the region's supply of O Negative and O Positive blood "has reached extremely low levels due to high usage in area hospitals." With the holiday weekend just around the corner, OneBlood has issued an appeal to donors. While all types of blood are welcomed, the need for O Negative and O Positive is especially critical, the organization says. O Negative is in high demand because it is the universal blood type. That means it can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type.

"O Negative is critical for trauma patients, premature babies, cancer patients and emergency surgeries," an email from OneBlood to media stated. "Only 7% of the population has O Negative blood, however because of its universal power, it remains in constant demand by hospitals." As for O Positive, this type is also in high demand. Since about 37 percent of the population has this blood, it is the "most popular" type and is transfused more often than others.

To donate blood, people need to be in generally good health and at least 16 years of age. A minimum weight of 110 pounds is also required. To find a Big Red Bus donation site or a donor center, visit www.oneblood.org online. Prospective donors may also call 1.888.9DONATE for more information. One Blood hosts blood drives throughout the Tampa Bay area on a regular basis and has permanent blood donation sites in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Manatee counties, among others.