EVERETT — In June, the national blood supply fell close to 25% as donations declined. This drop came as hospital demand for blood increased as the summer trauma season began. In fact, hospital needs grew nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected in June.
The American Red Cross has declared a nationwide emergency blood shortage, including the North Sound. The growing gap between blood supply and patient needs is unsustainable.
Blood donors are urgently needed for all blood types. The shortage is particularly severe for type’s O positive and B negative, as well as AB plasma.
The Red Cross urges booking a blood donation appointment today to give blood or platelets. The Red Cross’s Blood Donor app can be used to make an appointment, as well as visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767).
Patients rely on transfusions such as mothers in childbirth, trauma patients and those with cancer or sickle cell disease, and face serious risk without immediate action. Blood is unable to be stockpiled since it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished through volunteer donations. Someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.
“Summer always brings challenges for the blood supply but patients are still in the hospital, needing blood for critical medical care,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross division chief medical officer. “Without blood available, emergency rooms and maternity wards are paralyzed and patients with life threatening conditions or injuries, may not get the treatments they need. By donating blood, you help our doctors and nurses save lives. We urge all those who may be eligible to give now to end this shortage.”
Bloodworks Northwest also coordinates blood donations and has an Everett location at 2703 Oakes Ave. For more information about donating blood at one of the Bloodworks NW Puget Sound locations, click here.
