Bloodworks Northwest (formerly the Puget Sound Blood Center) has issued an urgent appeal for donors after inventories for some blood types fell alarmingly. As of Tuesday, the local blood inventory has dipped to just a one-day supply. Normal operating inventory is a four-day supply, Bloodworks said.

According to the announcement, local blood inventories have dipped sharply due to a lack of donors, especially because of summer vacation. While that’s no surprise during summer, the donor drop-off is usually about 15 percent. This summer, it’s closer to 25 percent.

There is a special need for O blood type (positive and negative), platelets and AB plasma.

To avoid a crisis, Bloodworks is asking donors to schedule an appointment during the next two days at the nearest local donor center.

The situation in the Northwest is part of a nationwide blood shortage, the announcement said, noting: “In normal circumstances we can ask for and receive help from centers in other regions who might have extra inventory. That’s not possible this year – everyone is struggling to maintain their inventory.”

“Summer is always a challenging time for blood collection, and we’re already at the point where inventories of the most-needed blood types are at critical levels – meaning we have only a two- or three-day supply,” said Dr. James P. AuBuchon, president and CEO. “

“To avoid a summer crunch we’re asking donors who have not donated recently to schedule an appointment during the next two weeks,” AuBuchon said. “First-time donors are always welcome, too.”

Donors can go to any one of 12 donor centers, or can check online for community blood drives happening close to where they live or work. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Information about locations and times can be found at bloodworksnw.org. Make appointments online at BloodworksNW.org/Schedule or by phone at 1-800-398-7888.

The Lynnwood Center is located at 19723 Highway 99, Suite F
Lynnwood. The phone is 425-774-6366.