O Negative Donors

At Hoxworth Blood Center, every donor plays a life-saving role — but O Negative donors hold a truly extraordinary place in our hearts and in our hospitals. If you’re an O Negative donor, you are part of an elite group of less than 7% of the population with this universal blood type. And when emergencies strike, you’re the first call we make.

O Negative blood is known as the “universal donor” for red blood cells. This means it can be safely transfused to any patient in need, regardless of their blood type. In critical moments when there’s no time to check a patient’s blood type — like in trauma situations, emergency surgeries, or for newborns in distress — O Negative blood is the only type that can be given immediately.

• Only about 1 in 15 people has O Negative blood.

• O Negative is the go-to blood type for emergency rooms, helicopters, and trauma bays.

• It’s the preferred blood type for newborns and premature babies when an exact match isn’t available.

• Hospitals must keep a constant supply on hand because lives can depend on it in seconds.

Why We Need You to Donate Often

Because O Negative blood is in such high demand and has a limited shelf life (only 42 days for red blood cells), we need our O Negative heroes to step up often. At Hoxworth, we rely on O Negative donors to keep Greater Cincinnati and Norther Kentucky area hospitals stocked and prepared for the unexpected.

The need for O Negative is constant — it doesn’t take a holiday, and it doesn’t slow down. Trauma cases, accidents, and critical procedures happen every day, and it’s your blood that can turn a tragedy into a second chance.

You’re Not Just a Donor — You’re a Lifesaver

If you’re an O Negative donor, you belong to a select group of people with the power to save anyone, anytime. You are our emergency lifeline.

When you donate with Hoxworth, you’re not only giving blood — you’re giving hope, time, and tomorrow to families right here in our community. And we think that makes you pretty incredible.

As a thank you, O Negative donors often receive priority notifications for urgent needs and heartfelt appreciation from our team.

Make a Lifesaving Difference — Schedule Your Donation Today

The need is real, the impact is immediate, and you are essential. Join the ranks of everyday heroes who roll up their sleeves to keep our community safe and strong.