Washington Blood Coalition asking for blood donations

SPOKANE, Wash. — World Blood Donor Day is on Friday, June 14 and the Washington Department of Health and the Washington State Blood Coalition are looking for blood donors to combat low donation levels. 

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood. They are also looking for donors giving platelets.

“World Blood Donor Day activities allow blood centers around the globe to come together with a common message to help build safe and available blood supplies,” said Mitzy Edgecomb, Vitalant vice president. “Ensuring a healthy, diverse, and robust donor base supports the lives of patients here in Washington and in countries throughout the world. Our common goal is to save lives through the precious resource of blood.”

According to the Department of Health, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. 

The Red Cross says that summer travel, as well as severe weather conditions, are keeping people from donating blood. However, the fewer donations they receive, the less blood there is for people in need. The Washington Department of Health says the need for blood goes up during the summer because more people travel and spend time outdoors. The more time spent outdoors means more people suffer accidents and medical procedures that require transfusions. This combination can lead to critical shortages of lifesaving blood, plasma, and other blood products.

Donors need to be 18 years or older, in good health, and at least 110 pounds. 16 and 17-year-olds may also donate with parental permission.

Anyone who donates blood to the American Red Cross from June 10-30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice. For more information, click here.

Washington State has a Blood Coalition that works every day throughout the year to increase the inventory of lifesaving blood products across the state. The Blood Coalition includes Vitalant, Bloodworks Northwest, and the American Red Cross.

Below is a list of blood donation opportunities offered by the Red Cross you can attend:

• 6/19/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Liberty Lake Ward, 23515 E Boone Ave

• 6/18/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Centennial Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, Spokane
• 6/20/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Bouten Construction Company, 627 N Napa St

• 6/18/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Palouse Community Center, 220 Main St

• 6/14/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Gladish Community & Cultural Center, 115 NW State St. Room 115, Gladish Community & Cultural Center
• 6/19/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., WSU Police Department, 2201 E Grimes Way, WSU Police Dept

• 6/20/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse, 420 2nd St
• 6/26/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Eagles Lodge 2277, 123 N Main St, Eagles Lodge 1277

RELATED: Yes, blood donation rules have changed for men who have sex with men

RELATED: Local, regional blood banks in Washington seeking donors amid ‘critical’ shortages

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