The blood supply in Washington is critically low.

870 AM KFLD logo
Get our free mobile app

To avoid a blood shortage, the Washington State Department of Health and Northwest Blood Coalition are urging people to make donations today. Giving the gift of life is an incredibly rewarding experience. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, demand for blood is constant and transfusion needs increase, however, donations go down.

How can you help?

American Red Cross-Facebook
American Red Cross-Facebook
loading...

You can help by visiting scheduling an appointment with a blood center, the American Red Cross, Vitalant, or Bloodworks Northwest. Anyone who is at least 18-years old, in good health, and weighs 110 lbs may donate whole blood every 56 days. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Nationwide, the American Red Cross was short approximately 25,000 donations during the first two months of summer. Smoke and unhealthy air conditions due to wildfires canceled several blood drives that were scheduled. This is why it's critical to schedule and keep your appointment to donate blood.

It's difficult to keep hospital shelves stocked with precious, life-saving blood.

Canva
Canva
loading...

Trauma patients, transplant recipients and cancer patients undergoing treatment depend on generous blood donors. With fewer donations, hospitals cannot keep blood products stocked.

Canva
Canva
loading...

“As we approach the Labor Day holiday, eligible donors are encouraged to visit their blood centers and help stabilize our blood inventory this summer," said Angel Montes, American Red Cross Northwest Region regional donor services executive. “Please make an appointment to give to ensure blood is available for patients in need.”

Click the button below to schedule a donation appointment.

KEEP READING: See 25 natural ways to boost your immune system

READ MORE: Here are 50 ways you can improve your work from home lifestyle

11 Bad Laundry Habits to Break Immediately

Save time, money, and frustration with these simple laundry life hacks. 

More From 870 AM KFLD