Both the American Red Cross and Bloodworks Northwest bloodbanks declared urgent emergency blood shortages entering the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Bloodworks is running short on scheduled appointments for donations for the first weeks of September, with more than 75% of its donation appointment slots unfilled, according to a chart it provided.
The Red Cross was sending out more blood to hospitals than what it’s getting in donations. Hurricanes and wildfires nationally also have hamstrung blood collection efforts, the Red Cross said.
To donate:
With the Red Cross: Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment at its center or find a blood drive near you.
With Bloodworks Northwest, 2703 Oakes Ave., Everett: Same-day appointments are available. Appointments required at www.bloodworksnw.org or 1-800-398-7888.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, an executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”
