The Washington Department of Health on Wednesday declared a “code red” emergency, saying the state is facing a severe blood shortage in Washington. A code red is declared after four consecutive days of emergency levels.
In its Jan. 29 announcement, DOH said available blood supplies had reached “alarming low levels” in January, particularly for Type O blood, both negative and positive, and platelets. The shortages of available blood for transfusions and treatment could force hospitals to delay or cancel procedures, and may limit the ability of emergency departments to respond to mass casualties or other health emergencies.
Bloodworks Northwest declared its own code red emergency on Jan. 27. In the announcement, the nonprofit organization, which provides blood to 95% of Pacific Northwest hospitals, said more than 25,000 open donation appointments need to be filled in February.
“If you’ve been putting off donating blood, now is the time to make an appointment,” said Curt Bailey, president and CEO of Bloodworks Northwest.
Locally, people can schedule an appointment to donate blood Tuesday through Saturday at the Bellingham Donor Center at 410 W. Bakerview Road, #117, or sign up for one of several blood drives in the region on the Bloodworks Northwest website.
The website also includes eligibility requirements and details on how to donate for first-timers.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
