Bloodworks Northwest issued a “code red” alert on Friday, asking Washington and Oregon residents to make appointments to give blood to address a critical shortage in supply.
The organization reported that less than a 24-hour supply of blood is all that remains on the shelves, and blood is being shipped out faster than it is being collected. Donations are currently short 700 units a week compared to the current need from hospitals.
The nonprofit organization blames “donor fatigue” and high rates of no-show appointments as the cause for the current shortage.
With supply low, hospitals and trauma centers in the region are now being asked to conserve blood for emergencies
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