Northwest blood bank declares ‘Code Red’ emergency shortage; donors needed
The Washington State Department of Health is sounding the alarm over severe blood shortages in the state, with regional blood banks turning to bringing in blood from other parts of the country to meet the demand.
Bloodworks Northwest, a regional blood bank serving Washington state, has declared a “Code Red” emergency blood shortage, meaning that they have less than a one to two-day supply of critical blood types and platelets available.
The health department said the shortage is due to the “lingering effects” of last month’s heavy rains and flooding, as well as an overall slowdown in donations. The severe winter storms set to hit the country soon will likely make it even harder for blood to reach Washington — making local donations all the more crucial.
You can donate blood in Whatcom County at Bloodworks Northwest Bellingham Center, located at 410 West Bakerview Road. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday, and appointments can be booked online at donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/center/2.
Appointments still remain for two upcoming mobile blood drives in Barkley Village on Feb. 2 and Point Roberts on Feb. 4. For more information or to find other places to donate in the area, visit donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/geo.