Washington blood banks face low blood supply

Washington blood banks are facing extreme shortages of blood donations and blood products. In particular, the shortages are most severe for Type O and Rh negative blood and for platelets.

Blood donations significantly dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, and local blood banks are still being affected. During the current season with the rising cases of influenza, the common cold and COVID-19, people are less likely to donate.

“With less donations, blood banks worry they will not be able to meet the need for blood and blood products, like plasma, during a large emergency or natural disaster,” Northwest Blood Coalition said

To donate blood, the community can easily schedule appointments by visiting Northwest Blood Coalition members’ websites: Vitalant, Cascade Regional Blood Services, Bloodworks Northwest and American Red Cross.