Blood donors needed as local supply dips to emergency levels

December 20, 2018 2:30 pm
Blood donors needed as local supply dips to emergency levels

Bloodworks Northwest is urging people to give blood and platelets after patient needs spiked to unusually high levels in the Northwest, depleting the blood supply.

Now through New Year’s Day is a great time to give — historically donations decrease by 25 percent during the holidays due to donors being on vacation and schools being closed. Bloodworks is strongly urging regular and first-time donors to make an appointment at a center or attend a blood drive to help replenish the supply.

“It’s the season of giving and what better way to honor that spirit than by scheduling just one hour to save lives,” said James P. AuBuchon, Bloodworks president and CEO. “With Santa himself having donated before his Christmas Eve deliveries, we’re sure that donating blood this time of year will automatically earn you a place on Santa’s Nice List. Donating blood is the best gift you can give someone and we promise you won’t have to squeeze down a chimney to deliver it.”

Starting Christmas week and extending until New Year’s Day, Bloodworks is increasing hours at its donor centers to encourage donations, with phlebotomists volunteering to work shifts so that many Bloodworks centers can be open on Christmas Day.

Donors who give before Dec. 31 will be entered to win a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Additionally, those who give on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day will receive a stretch knit beanie.

Demand for blood is continuous in order to support local patients who require surgeries, trauma care, organ transplants and blood for cancer treatment. Since blood can be broken down into its components, every donation can help up to three people.

Donors can book appointments, or find a center or blood drive, in just a few taps on the new Bloodworks App available for download in the App Store and Google Play. As always, donors can make appointments at schedule.bloodworksNW.org or by calling 1-800-398-7888. People can also can check online for dates and times of community blood drives close to where they live or work by going to bloodworksnw.org.