Bloodworks Northwest declares Code Red emergency blood shortage

Bloodworks Northwest has declared a “Code Red” emergency blood shortage, highlighting an urgent need for Type O blood in the Pacific Northwest. Currently, over 27,000 donation appointments are unfilled, jeopardizing care for patients who require transfusions and surgeries. President & CEO Curt Bailey indicated that hospitals are receiving more Type O blood than is being donated locally, stressing the need for community action. The situation has been compounded by severe winter weather across the U. S.

, which has led to increased blood demands and emergency shipments to states like Texas and Tennessee. Bloodworks Northwest is on-call with the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps from January 27 to February 2 to support nationwide needs. Same-day donation appointments are available, and donors are encouraged to give every 56 days. January is National Blood Donor Month, highlighting the critical importance of blood donation amid this public health emergency. About 39% of the population has O Positive blood, with only 9% having O Negative, emphasizing the need for a diverse donor base.