Local organizations are urgently seeking blood donations during the “100 deadliest days” of the year.
In a Thursday news release, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Northwest Blood Coalition said nationwide, the American Red Cross has received about 25,000 fewer donations than needed during the first two months of summer. The cancellation of several blood drives due to smoke and unhealthy air conditions made “matters even worse,” according to DOH.
According to DOH, the Red Cross's Pacific Northwest Region does not expect to reach patient need targets for August.
“Our collections are certainly in a situation you would call precarious,” said Curt Bailey, Bloodworks Northwest president and CEO. “We need to continue to share the message that the summer months are a very critical time.”
Earlier this month, the Red Cross eased eligibility guidelines so more people could donate.
“As we approach the Labor Day holiday, eligible donors are encouraged to visit their blood centers and help stabilize our blood inventory this summer," said Angel Montes, American Red Cross Northwest Region regional donor services executive. “Please make an appointment to give to ensure blood is available for patients in need.”
The Northwest Blood Coalition is a collection of Vitalant, Cascade Regional Blood Services, Bloodworks Northwest, and the American Red Cross. Bloodworks Northwest operates donation centers at 9320 NE Vancouver Mall Drive #100 in Vancouver and 1220 Eastside St. SE in Olympia.
Find a donation center near you at https://www.bloodworksnw.org/donate.
