Emergency Blood Supply is Too Low in WA State, Can You Donate?

Blood donations are desperately needed in Washington State TODAY.

The emergency blood supply in the state is at all-time low. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, blood donations dropped significantly. The result has left local blood banks in a dangerous situation. They NEED blood NOW. From the WA Department of Health:

Blood banks are facing critical shortages of life-saving blood and blood products. Your donation can help save lives. The shortages are particularly severe for types O and Rh negative blood, and for platelets.

Who can donate blood? What are the requirements?

Anyone 17-years of age or older, or 16 with a parent's signed consent form can donate whole blood. You must weigh at least 100 pounds. You must be in good health, feeling well, and NOT taking antibiotics. Some blood centers may have additional requirements. According to the American Red Cross for whole blood donation:

Whole blood is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets. Every day, whole blood donations help save the lives of children and adults fighting to survive cancer, blood disorders, traumatic injuries and more.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.

Today, the need for your donation is urgent. Appointments are easily scheduled at your convenience and take about an hour. You can learn more by visiting Northwest Coalition members' websites.

Vitalant
Cascade Regional Blood Services
Bloodworks Northwest
American Red Cross