The back-to-school season is a critical time for the blood supply
As summer ends and the school year begins, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Northwest Blood Coalition urge eligible blood donors to schedule donations.
According to the Northwest Blood Coalition, high school and college students make up almost 25 percent of blood donations. “High schoolers and college-age youth are critically important members of our donor base,” shared Vitalant Regional Director Jennifer Hawkins.
The Northwest Blood Coalition is formed by four blood donation centers currently serving Washington state: Vitalant, Cascade Regional Blood Centers, BloodworksNW, and the American Red Cross Northwest Region. As Red Cross Regional Services Executive Angel Montes describes, “The Northwest Blood Coalition’s primary focus is to ensure a safe, reliable blood supply for our community.” DOH collaborates with the coalition to support this vital work.
“Blood centers enthusiastically welcome students back to school,” said Curt Bailey, president and CEO at BloodworksNW. “We want to engage those interested in the rewarding, lifesaving act of donating blood — whether they’ve done it before or it’s their first time.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donated blood is crucial for those undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, blood disorder treatments, complications from childbirth, and other serious conditions and injuries. However, blood supply shortages continue to be a nationwide concern, and Washington state is no exception.
“We know that people want to help. Donations tend to slow when school is on break and summer activities are happening,” added Christine Swinehart, president and CEO at Cascade Regional Blood Centers. “As we look toward fall, we want to remind folks that now is a great time to donate!”
To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit the blood center websites linked above.
The DOH website is a source for a healthy dose of information. Find on Facebook and follow on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.
Also read:
- Camas girls basketball: Defending champions look to learn from mistakes with a tough schedule
Camas girls basketball faces growing pains as they aim to defend their state championship with a young, talented team. - Clark County Today Sports Podcast, Dec 19, 2024: Discussing the protocol on voting for WIAA amendments, plus a look at some of the amendments that will be voted on in 2025Clark County Today Sports Podcast reviews Camas and Seton Catholic football, WIAA amendments, and winter sports.
- Biden Energy Dept. deals another blow to natural gas supportersThe Department of Energy’s new rules and a report on LNG exports have sparked debates among natural gas supporters and environmental advocates.
- Opinion: Courts blocking the Kroger-Albertson merger won’t stop consumers from making choices
Paul Guppy of Washington Policy Center critiques judicial rulings that block the Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing changing consumer trends and potential job losses. - Pac Coast Wrestling to return to Clark County Event Center Dec. 27-28The Pac Coast Wrestling Championships, featuring over 100 teams, return to the Clark County Event Center Dec. 27-28 for two days of thrilling competition.
- Mountain View now runs Clark County’s high school basketball holiday tournamentThe Mountain View Holiday Invite will host eight boys basketball teams, including five from Clark County, from Dec. 26-28 in a showcase of local talent.
- GoFundMe spotlight: Fundraiser for four injured in food truck explosionA fundraiser has been launched to support four individuals injured in the 4 Caminos food truck explosion in Vancouver, Washington.
