Officials with We Are Blood, formerly The Blood Center of Central Texas, said a recent “dramatic increase” in blood usage has caused the organization to experience a “dangerously low” shortage of O negative blood—the universal donor blood type that can be given to any patient.

We Are Blood officials said in a statement that with Monday’s rainy weather and the holiday weekend approaching, it is particularly critical for eligible O negative donors to donate as soon as possible.

Those willing to donate blood in Central Texas can visit:

• Austin Donor Center, 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin


• South Austin, 3100 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin


• Round Rock Donor Center, 2132 N. Mays St., Ste. 900, Round Rock

For more information, visit www.weareblood.org.