‘CODE RED’ ALERT: If you can donate blood, it’s needed now – and West Seattle appointments are coming up too

Bloodworks Northwest has sent out a “red alert” for blood donations. Here’s why:

A “perfect storm” of unforeseen events continues to impact local and nationwide blood availability leading Bloodworks Northwest to declare a code-red for alert for donors to book appointments. As detailed by Bloodworks CEO Curt Bailey in recent outreach to Pacific Northwest community leaders:

“Confusion over eligibility to donate after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (vaccinated people can still donate!), record-high patient usage (up to 118% above normal), warm spring weather (when donors tend to skip appointments), and a national blood shortage (help from other parts of the country is limited or uncertain) [are contributing to] the biggest shortage since the pandemic began a year ago, with less than a 24-hour supply of blood on the shelves.”

You can make an appointment to donate by going here.

P.S. If you can’t donate right now, Bloodworks NW plans pop-up donation opportunities at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) May 3, 4, 5, 10, and 11 – you can make an appointment for one of those dates now too.

4 Replies to "'CODE RED' ALERT: If you can donate blood, it's needed now - and West Seattle appointments are coming up too"

  • Dedicated Blood Donor April 23, 2021 (7:05 pm)

    Hooray for blood donors!!!  Another pressing need right now is for blood platelet donations – check out the Bloodworks Northwest website – to help folks with cancer and other serious health conditions!

  • AlexC April 23, 2021 (8:27 pm)

    I gave a few weeks ago for the first time in years. How long doI have to wait to give again?

    • Steph April 23, 2021 (10:27 pm)

      At least 8 weeks is recommended for whole blood.

      • Nikki Watkinson April 26, 2021 (4:24 pm)

        Yes! 8 weeks (or 56 days) per FDA regulation.  Thank you.

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