Emergency Blood Shortage Prompts Code Red Alert

Local blood donations have fallen sharply, creating a severe blood shortage, prompting Bloodworks Northwest to declare a “Code Red” encouraging people to fill immediate appointments to give blood, especially Type O and platelets. Local hospitals rely on a steady blood supply for emergencies, surgeries, and lifesaving treatments, but current levels are dangerously low.

Over 29,700 appointment slots remain open through the end of January, and the need for donors to fill them is urgent. It takes 1,000 donors a day with Bloodworks to maintain the blood supply to 95% of the hospitals in Western Washington and Oregon. Bloodworks is providing hospitals with more Type O than is being donated locally. To meet hospital demand, Bloodworks has had to bring in blood from other parts of the country—a temporary and unsustainable solution, especially as shortages are being felt nationwide.

Only about 3% of people donate blood, yet if just 1% more stepped up, we could ease shortages and stabilize the supply. Code Red has been declared due to a less than one-to two-day supply of critical blood types and platelets. Without immediate action, the situation could become dire.

“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.”

Right now, universal Type O blood is extremely important, especially for trauma and emergency situations when the patient’s blood type is unknown. About 39% of the population has Type O Positive blood, while only 9% has Type O Negative blood. You do not need to know your blood type to donate blood.

Community blood drives play a vital role in providing convenient places to donate. Approximately 63% of blood is donated at Bloodworks’ 14 donor centers. About 37% of blood donations come from community blood drives hosted by schools, businesses, and other community-based organizations. More groups are needed to host drives in the coming months from Eugene to Bellingham, from Gresham to Forest Grove, and from Snoqualmie to Port Angeles.

January is National Blood Donor Month, underscoring the importance of community blood donors. Same-day appointments are available at most locations. Appointments can be made at www.bloodworksnw.org or by calling 800-398-7888.