Blood Supply at Critical and Alert Levels!
The Southwest Washington Blood Program opened the doors of their new facility near Westfield Vancouver Mall (9320 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Suite 100) on January 17, 2007 and is the main supplier of blood to hospitals and medical centers in Clark County and Cowlitz County.
Due to the recent snow and icy weather, Western Washington’s blood supply has reached critical and alert levels in many blood groups. A blood group is labeled critical when it has less than a two-day supply. A four day inventory is considered operational.
According to the Puget Sound Blood Center (which Southwest Washington Blood Center is a part of), they have “lost over 1,200 donations from those not able to donate. Donation centers and blood drives are operating at approximately 50% of normal capacity. It takes over 900 donor registrations every day to maintain an operational blood supply in Western Washington.”
So, if you can, please donate today! Their hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm; Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm; Friday and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. You can also reach them by phone at 360-567-4800, or online at Southwest Washington Blood Center, Vancouver.
