WSHA member Bloodworks Northwest is experiencing a blood shortage due to the winter storm that struck this week and prevented many donors from being able to get to blood centers or drives. Bloodworks has been obtaining supplemental blood supplies from other parts of the country while working to restore the blood supply in our region.
WSHA members can help by scheduling a blood drive at their facility (contact Katie Bunch at KatieBu@BloodWorksNW.org for more information), or by communicating the need to staff and visitors (contact Karen Kirby at KarenK@BloodWorksNW.org for email templates, sample text and graphics).
Individuals can also donate at all of Bloodworks’ walk-in centers and mobile drives. Find a list of locations and upcoming drives at schedule.bloodworksnw.org or by texting “bloodapp” to 91985 to download the Bloodworks app.
Type O and RH negative donors, and apheresis platelet donors are especially needed. In the meantime, Bloodworks will triage the available inventory to patients and locations most in need, possibly resulting in some order limitations. Their medical staff is fully engaged in these decisions and will be glad to work with your medical team to assure appropriate support to all patients with critical transfusion needs. The Bloodworks physician on call can be reached through hospital services at 425-656-3081 or the Bloodworks Transfusion Service Lab at 206-689-6525.
