WA Blood Donors 'Urgently Needed' Heading Into Summer

WASHINGTON — Washington health officials are urging eligible blood donors to schedule appointments this summer amid a local and national shortage that shows no signs of slowing down. Blood centers have warned of critical shortages several times in recent months and are resurfacing the call to action as donations typically wane further during the warmer months.

"Blood donations usually start to do around this time of year due to summer schedule and vacations," said Curt Bailey, CEO of Bloodworks Northwest. "But we need everyone's help to keep our blood supply stable for those who need it."

The state Department of Health joined with the Washington State Blood Coalition to share the urgent request Tuesday, coinciding with World Blood Donor Day. Officials said the seasonal need for blood donors was especially pressing this summer, citing prolonged nationwide shortages during the course of the pandemic.

The American Red Cross earlier this year sounded the alarm of a blood crisis, reporting its worst supply in more than a decade.

According to state health officials, all types of blood are needed to help treat cancer patients, trauma patients, and others. Right now, O positive, O negative and B negative are classified as an "emergency need," and A positive is in the "critical need" category. Most appointments take less than an hour, including screening times.

"We know that people care and will step up when they learn how important the need is," said Christine Swinehart, executive director at Cascade Regional Blood Services. "We're here to make the process as easy as possible.

Here are a few options to help out in Washington:

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