King County Public Health is highlighting the need for blood donors right now, after the coronavirus outbreak threatens to reduce the region’s blood supply.
Blood donation has been made exempt from Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-home order. It’s a controlled activity, as the health department says, using strict sanitation measures.
KC Public Health says current inventories are being maintained, but the continued social distancing measures mean that the local blood supply is in danger of collapse.
All types of blood are needed right now, which hospitals use for cancer treatment, trauma cases, and other situations. The process takes an hour and actual donation time is 10 minutes, the health department says.
Donations are currently by appointment only through Bloodworks NW. You can make an appointment by visiting their website or by calling 800-398-7888.
