Bloodworks Northwest has declared a Code Red emergency blood shortage, warning that the regional blood supply has dropped to less than a one to two day reserve of critical blood types and platelets, according to the nonprofit blood center.
The organization said patients in local hospitals are depending on immediate donations, and that current supply levels are not sufficient to meet ongoing medical needs.
The shortage comes during National Blood Donor Month, a period typically marked by increased awareness of blood donation, Bloodworks Northwest said. To meet urgent demand, blood has been brought in from other parts of the country, but officials said that approach is not sustainable.
Bloodworks Northwest is urging healthy, eligible residents to schedule appointments at donor centers or local blood drives as soon as possible. The organization noted that only about 3 percent of people donate blood, and said that if just 1 percent more eligible donors gave, the blood supply could be stabilized.
Same day appointments are available at most locations, and donations in the coming weeks are also critical to prevent further shortages, Bloodworks Northwest said.
Appointments can be scheduled for the Thursday, Feb. 5 donation event at Burien City Hall at BloodworksNW.org, by calling 1-800-398-7888, or by texting BWAPP to 999777 to download the Bloodworks mobile app, according to the organization.
