WA Blood Donations 'Urgently Needed,' DOH Says

OLYMPIA, WA — State health leaders and the region's four blood donation centers are urging Washingtonians to book appointments to help shore up the state's blood supply heading into the fall.

With a new school year now underway, officials note that high school and college students make up nearly a quarter of Washington's blood donor base. The Northwest Blood Coalition — comprised of Bloodworks Northwest, Cascade Regional Blood Services, Vitalant and the American Red Cross — is asking eligible residents of all ages to consider helping fill an urgent need.

Donation centers estimate someone in the United States requires blood every two seconds for a wide variety of reasons, including surgeries, cancer treatments, serious injuries and blood disorders. Blood supply shortages have impacted donations across the United States, particularly since the pandemic began, including in Washington.

Just before Labor Day, Bloodworks Northwest warned that local hospitals were "running on fumes," with less than a day's supply of O Positive and O Negative blood. Officials said it takes at least 1,000 blood donations each day to maintain a reliable blood supply for the region.

"We know that people want to help," said Christine Swinehart, Cascade Regional Blood Services CEO. "Donations tend to slow when school is on break and summer activities are happening. As we look toward fall, we want to remind folks that now is a great time to donate.”

Donors interested in booking an appointment can do so at one of the following sites:

• Bloodworks Northwest
• Cascade Regional Blood Services
• American Red Cross
• Vitalant