With the state of Washington facing an urgent blood crisis, the Thurston County Board of Health (BOH) has declared Friday, Feb. 14, as National Donor Day.
The BOH urges the residents to help stabilize a dangerously low supply both in the state and county.
The move comes as the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) declared a "Code Red emergency," reporting four consecutive days of critically low blood levels statewide.
“This month, the Board of Health is issuing a challenge to both the public and our dedicated staff to help meet the urgent need for blood donations across the state,” Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) Chair Tye Menser stated on social media.
According to the Bloodworks Northwest, Washington blood banks need 1,000 donors per day to meet demand.
“Right now, we supply about 100 hospitals in the Pacific Northwest, from Bellingham, Washington, down to Eugene, Oregon,” said Jenny McCoy of Bloodworks Northwest.
She added, “To keep up with that demand, we need 1,000 donors every single day.”
The shortage affects patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatments and emergency trauma care.
“Any donated blood, if you donate at our center or one of our mobile units, is generally available to patients within 24 hours,” said James Moore of Bloodworks Northwest.
The BOH’s proclamation calls for action and encourages residents to schedule blood donations and share commitments online using the hashtags #TCPHSS and #BloodDonor.
“We invite the community to join us in this important moment and ask that you consider donating blood this month to support our local hospitals and health care workers during this critical time,” Menser said.
The Red Cross, which has operated in Thurston County for more than 100 years, warned of seasonal donation drops.
“As we get through January, donors tend to lose interest,” said Red Cross District Manager Heath Palen-McBee.
He added, “Making February 14 Donor Day is critical, especially with Black History Month raising awareness about sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black individuals.”
The proclamation also noted that 1,500 people in Washington remain on the organ transplant waiting list, with transplant wait times exceeding 100 days.
For some of the Thurston County officials, the need for donations hits close to home.
“As a person whose life was saved with blood donation, I’m very grateful for all the blood donors,” said BOH Chair Beth Harvey.
BoCC Commissioner Rachel Grant became emotional as she spoke about her child, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
“Until you actually see it in use, do you realize the impact you’re making?” said Grant through tears.
The board’s proclamation notes that National Donor Day goes beyond awareness and emphasized the importance of action.
It also recognized both the contributions of donors and the efforts of health care professionals and organizations dedicated to saving lives through the donation process.
BoCC Commissioner Carolina Mejia underscored the impact of community involvement. She encouraged the public to donate blood to support local hospitals and health care workers during this critical time.
Mejia also emphasized that every donation has the potential to save lives.
Residents can schedule a blood donation appointment through American Red Cross, Vitalant and Bloodworks Northwest.
Donors are encouraged to make an appointment in advance and share their commitment using #TCPHSS and #BloodDonor to help inspire others.
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Snevets
Can do!!
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