Bloodworks Warns Of 'Perfect Storm' Hitting Local Blood Supply

SEATTLE — Bloodworks Northwest issued an urgent plea Wednesday for donors to help fill thousands of open appointments as the nonprofit faces a shortage of phlebotomists, rising cancellations and continued pandemic challenges.

In a news release, Bloodworks warned its blood and platelet supply was facing the second "perfect storm" since April. The nonprofit said its platelet supply has already reached critical levels, which has a direct impact on people undergoing cancer treatment. The outlook isn't much brighter for the overall blood supply, which remains well below where it's supposed to be.

"The ongoing blood shortage is an alarming situation, and critically ill and injured patients need our generous donors to help answer the call now," said Curt Bailey, CEO at Bloodworks Northwest. "While a four or five-day supply is ideal for patients, our community has less than a 24-hour supply in stock of Type O positive — the most commonly transfused blood type. It's critical to public health that our community take care of one another by donating blood."

According to Bloodworks, there are more than 6,000 open appointments in October, with 2,000 available over the next 10 days. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 appointments scheduled for this week were canceled. The region has been running on less than a 24-hour supply of type O positive for almost a full month.

In addition to the urgent need for donors, Bloodworks is also looking to hire at least 50 new employees to keep donor centers and pop-up blood drives running.

"Bloodworks is raising staffing levels of our Blood Collection Specialists to ensure the ability to collect the blood our community needs to care for patients," said Vicki Finson. "Blood Collection Specialists are incredible healthcare professionals who ensure our donors have great experiences and save lives."

Those interested in donating blood can make an appointment on the Bloodworks website or by calling 1-800-398-7888. Several donor centers are running with extended hours. Appointments are required to donate, and guests must wear masks on-site.