WASHINGTON STATE — The American Red Cross has declared a statewide “Code Red” due to critically low blood supply levels at hospitals and emergency centers.
Two of the three regional blood banks serving Washington state are facing severe shortages. This is a result of heavy rains and floods in December, combined with a slowdown in donations. The shortage is particularly critical for Type O blood and platelets, which are essential for emergency treatments, surgeries and other life-saving procedures.
One pint of donated blood can save up to three lives by providing red blood cells, plasma or platelets to those in need. To meet the demand, 1,000 donors are needed each day. Appointments for donations take just an hour.
For those interested in helping, more information is available on the websites of the Northwest Blood Coalition members, including Vitalant, Bloodworks Northwest and American Red Cross Northwest Region.
