On Thursday, Feb. 5 the Renton Chamber of Commerce will partner with Bloodworks Northwest for a local mobile blood drive to help meet demand for local blood supplies, which are at an “emergency low.”
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Chamber of Commerce, eligible community members are welcome to donate blood, with Type O blood and platelet being in high demand for emergency treatments, surgeries and other life-saving procedures.
“Every time someone rolls up their sleeve to donate at a Bloodworks center or drive, they’re giving more than a pint of blood—they’re giving hope to critically ill and injured people in the Pacific Northwest,” said Bloodworks President and CEO Curt Bailey. “That single act can save multiple lives. It could be a child fighting cancer, a parent recovering from surgery, or a neighbor injured in an accident. Right now, those lives depend on all of us giving life together.”
Bloodworks Northwest has declared a “Code Red,” which means less than a one-to two-day supply of critical blood types and platelets available. One pint of donated blood can save up to three lives by providing red blood cells, plasma, or platelets to people in need. It takes 1,000 donors a day to keep up with the demand for blood.
Demand for donations are so high that the Washington Department of Health has reported that Bloodworks Northwest and the American Red Cross have been bringing in blood from other parts of the country due to local levels being so low.
“This is not sustainable. Winter weather and the holidays have also slowed donations nationally, and many blood drives were cancelled,” said a press release from DOH.
Donations can also be made by appointment and scheduled ahead of time. For information on finding a place and time to donate, visit the following websites:
