Bloodmobile in Richmond Beach this Saturday
By Tom Petersen
Blood
collections nationwide are down as much as 20% as precautionary measures to
stop the spread of the Zika virus have deferred many willing or potential
donors over the last 8 months.
Blood
supplies in the Puget Sound region, like everywhere else, have dropped to
"crisis" levels this summer.
The normal seasonal lull, added to the
loss of locals that have travelled to Latin America and the Caribbean, and
exacerbated by the humanitarian need to ship some blood products to Florida and
Puerto Rico, where entire populations are in a state of perpetual
ineligibility, has supplies of most blood types at "critical" levels.
Zika deferrals not long
or permanent: Bloodworks Northwest is getting the word out that donors who
have been deferred for recent travels to Zika-affected territories are only
discouraged from giving blood for 28 days.
People who have not fallen ill during that window are safe to
donate. People who went abroad in the
winter or spring can donate blood this summer.
Past deferrals may
not permanently disqualify donors: People who have thought about or tried to donate blood but were asked
not to for whatever reason -- travels to disease-ridden locales, low iron,
sniffles, temporary or past use of certain medications, new tattoos -- are
encouraged to come back. The standard questionnaire and consultation at the
bloodmobile or donation center may well reveal that it's safe to donate again.
Deferred? Help find
new donors: Past blood donors who,
for whatever reason, can no longer give blood are encouraged to help recruit
new donors. The number one inspiration for new blood donors is not posters,
A-boards, or articles like this one, but the personal example of a friend or
family member that can attest to the ease and importance of donating blood.
The need for blood is
constant: Even with advanced surgical techniques that lesson the need for
large transfusions for some surgeries, the need for blood never slackens for
cancer patients, people with blood disorders, and the
"misadventurous."
Air-conditioned
Bloodmobile in Richmond Beach this Saturday: Bloodworks' mobile unit will be at its
customary spot, in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center at the corner of
Richmond Beach Road (195th) and 20th Ave NW, from 10am to 4pm Saturday,
August 27.
Appointments are recommended
but not necessary; walk-ups are welcome and encouraged.
All donors must have photo ID or a
Bloodworks / Puget Sound Blood Center card. The bloodmobile is closed for lunch
from noon to 1.
Make appointments online
Read more...