Bloodworks Northwest has issued an emergency call for donors in response to continued confusion over post-COVID-19 donation eligibility, warm weather and record-high blood use that has left less than a 24-hour supply of blood for hospitals in Washington and Oregon.
The statement from Bloodworks said officials are concerned about the number of appointment cancellations due to mistaken belief that blood cannot be donated after a COVID-19 vaccination. From the beginning of the month, more than 1,600 donors canceled or had to reschedule their appointment with Bloodworks.
There is no deferral period to donate after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Bloodworks maintains a donor center in Vancouver at 9320 N.E. Vancouver Mall Blvd., Suite 100. Appointments and information are available at BloodworksNW.org or 800-398-7888.
