The American Red Cross is urgently seeking donors of all blood types, but one stands out in particular.

“Right now, the American Red Cross has a critical type O blood shortage and urgently needs donors of all blood types — especially types O negative and O positive — to give blood or platelets. Without more donors, patient care may be impacted,” Bernadette Jay, communications manager for American Red Cross Blood Services, wrote in an email.

According to a Red Cross press release, the organization currently has less than a three-day supply of type O blood available. While only 7% of the U.S. population has type O-negative blood, it is unique in that it can be transfused to patients of any blood type, which means it can be used in emergency cases where there’s not enough time to figure out what blood type a patient has.

There are a few reasons for the shortage. The flu season, in full swing early this year, impacts regular donors’ ability to give blood, as does winter weather that prevents in donors’ ability to attend blood drives, if those drives aren’t canceled altogether due to weather.

“Winter is notoriously a difficult time to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. And this year is no exception,” Jay wrote.

There are several upcoming opportunities to donate blood or platelets in Beaufort County.

• Jan. 21, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fitness Unlimited, 622 W. 15th St., Washington;
• Jan. 22, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Harvest Church, 2020 W. 15th St., Washington;
• Jan. 26, noon to 4 p.m., Five Points Free Will Baptist Church, 12357 N.C. Highway 32 North, Pinetown;
• Jan. 28, noon to 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 307 E. Third St., Washington;
• Feb. 7, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Bethany United Methodist Church, 2766 S. Savannah Road, Belhaven.

Those planning to donate blood can also make an appointment to do so, using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.