Snow Takes Toll on Local Blood Supply

Bloodworks Northwest is urging the public to give blood or platelets in the wake of this week’s snowstorm, which led to a 30% decrease in donations. Hundreds of donors scheduled to donate Tuesday and Wednesday were unable to make their appointments, and several blood drives had to be canceled due to weather conditions. If you can safely travel, the community is encouraged to schedule appointments to stock the shelves for patients in December. All Bloodworks Northwest donor centers and many blood drives are open with same-day appointments available.

“Donations are not keeping up with need, so inventory is dropping every day,” said Dr. Kirsten Alcorn, Co-Chief Medical Officer at Bloodworks Northwest.

Regardless of the weather, there is an ongoing need for blood to help cancer patients, victims of traumatic injuries, and many others who require transfusion support. Donations with Bloodworks provide 95% of the lifesaving blood supply to Pacific Northwest hospitals. It takes about an hour to give blood from check-in to post-donation cookie. Appointments and masks are required. Information about who can donate and where is available at www.bloodworksnw.org. Donors can donate blood ten days after COVID symptoms resolve, and COVID and Flu vaccinations do not affect your ability to donate blood.

All donors in December are eligible to enter to win donation perks like a VIP GRAMMY Award Experience or 75” big-screen TV.

Appointments and information at BloodworksNW.org or 800-398-7888. See list of Bloodworks Northwest Donor Centers and Blood Drives.