Blood shortage impacting Washington

As a nationwide blood supply shortage affects health care in Washington state, leaders in the medical community are encouraging the public to help.

Washingtonians can donate to a range of organizations, including BloodWorks Northwest, the Red Cross, and Vitalant. Some organizations are also seeking volunteers to help with blood drives.

The shortage is largely a consequence of the COVID pandemic, with the virus impacting staffing and events that previously drew large donor turnouts. Anyone with COVID symptoms or a positive COVID test within the last two weeks should wait before making an appointment.