information from Bloodworks Northwest

 As Oregon and Washington implement new state-wide coronavirus restrictions, Bloodworks Northwest reminds the community that donating blood remains a safe and essential health service as blood usage rises. Blood donors are urged to continue their vital role in sustaining community health by donating at Bloodworks centers or pop-up blood drives across the Pacific Northwest. Community action is critical over the next four weeks to stabilize the local blood supply through the holidays and into the new year.

“There is an urgent need to save lives in our community and we must all do our part locally to ensure a safe and reliable blood supply,” said Bloodworks President and CEO Curt Bailey. “We’re experiencing the highest levels of hospital blood and platelet usage since COVID-19 was declared an emergency last March. It’s critical that more donors come forward to meet this rapidly rising need as we enter the holiday season. A drop in community participation will have consequences and put surgeries and patients at risk.”

It typically takes 1,000 donors to meet community need. In recent weeks, Bloodworks needs an additional 300 donors a week to keep up with hospital requests for blood. Not sure whether you’re eligible to donate blood? There are some basic qualifications to donate—typically you’ll need to be at least 18, at least 110 pounds and in good health. But many other factors, like travel, tattoos, and vaccinations people think might disqualify them aren’t true.

“A severe flu season can greatly impact our blood supply since we need people to stay healthy to donate,” said Bloodworks Executive Vice President of Blood Services Vicki Finson. “Something more people should know is that flu vaccination does not prevent blood donation. If you just received your flu shot, there is no wait to donate and patients in our community urgently need your help.”

Bloodworks has expanded hours Thanksgiving week. Anyone who donates on Thursday, November 26 or Friday, November 27 will receive a $20 digital grocery gift card in gratitude.

Appointments and masks required. In accordance with current social distancing guidelines, no walk-ins, guests, or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. Information about who can donate and where, is available at www.bloodworksnw.org.

Additional Resources:
For the latest information on COVID-19 please visit the CDC website, Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 main page, and Oregon Health Authority.

Bloodworks Donor Centers and Pop-Up Centers:

Appointments and information at BloodworksNW.org or 800-398-7888. See our list of Donor Centers and Pop-Up locations.