Blood banks and organizations that serve Washington and the Northwest are close to calling a Code Red – a critical supply warning to hospitals and emergency departments that donated blood is running out fast, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Health.
A Code Red is declared after four consecutive days of emergency blood levels. While it rarely happens due to a single event, January’s cold weather caused a severe dent in emergency blood supplies beyond the usual donation slowdown during the holidays, according to the release.
Jennifer Hawkins, regional director of Vitalant in Spokane, said the holiday lull was not much different than in previous years, but what makes the situation different now is that the cold weather and icy conditions make it harder for donors to keep their appointments.
The American Red Cross in Washington also had problems resupplying collection sites because of road closures and icy conditions, forcing the cancellation of blood drives across the state. Additional challenges lie ahead as seasonal illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 keep donors from meeting their appointments.
The shortages are most severe in Type O negative blood, which is at emergency levels, but there is also great need for O+, A- and B- blood types. One pint of donated blood can save up to three lives, providing red blood cells, plasma or platelets to people in need, according to the press release.
Blood banks urge volunteers to please book appointments to donate blood as soon as it is safe for them to do so. Appointments can be scheduled at a person’s convenience and take about an hour. Learn more details at local donation sites, including eligibility requirements, by visiting Bloodworks Northwest, bloodworksnw.org/ and American Red Cross, redcross.org/local/oregon.html.
