The Washington State Department of Health is urging people to donate blood as blood banks across the state face critical shortages.
Local and regional blood banks are particularly low on platelets and types O and Rh negative blood, the department said Wednesday.
Donations dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to DOH, and blood banks are still feeling the effects as many regular donors are giving blood less often.
Rising rates of influenza, the common cold and other respiratory diseases are also keeping people from donating.
With fewer donations, blood banks may not be able to meet the need for blood and blood products (such as plasma) during a large emergency or natural disaster, DOH said. Trauma patients, transplant recipients and those undergoing cancer treatment also depend on blood banks.
To learn more about donating blood, including eligibility requirements, and to make an appointment, visit Northwest Blood Coalition members' websites: vitalant.org, crbs.net, bloodworksnw.org and redcross.org/local/washington.
