Urgent Need For Blood Donors After Snowstorm Impacts WA Supply

SEATTLE — Bloodworks Northwest issued an urgent call for donations Tuesday after weekend snowstorms across the region prompted the cancellation of more than 800 appointments. The blood bank, which supports nearly 100 hospitals in Western Washington and Oregon, said the interruption created a "dangerous dent" in local supply, adding to existing challenges.

"The snowstorm hit us at a time when our community blood supply is already experiencing a surge in hospital usage," said Curt Bailey, CEO of Bloodworks NW. "In the past three days, we've collected only 52% of the blood components needed to support patients. Blood and platelet shortages like we're experiencing now jeopardize the availability of blood for our local hospitals and trauma centers."

In a news release, Bloodworks said it relies on approximately 1,000 people to give blood each day to sufficiently supply hospitals across the region. The blood bank is also testing all blood donated this month for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies. If detected, donors can elect to give plasma used to help critically-ill coronavirus patients.

As an added perk, all blood donors through March 17 will have a chance to win a new car.

Bloodworks said all blood types would be needed through February, but the most urgent needs this week are Type O and B negative. Donors should expect appointments to take about an hour total, and mask use is required. No walk-ins, guess or people under 16 will be allowed inside. Those who have received COVID-19 vaccinations must wait two weeks after receiving a dose to schedule an appointment.

Those interested in donating can find a list of pop-up events and donor centers on the Bloodworks website.