WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Bloodworks Northwest today, June 17, 2026, declared a “code red situation” due to the regional blood supply inventory dropping to less than a 1- to 2-day supply of platelets and specific blood types, according to a press release. The inventory drop occurred during a period of reduced summer donations and increased hospital usage.
According to Bloodworks, the organization requires 1,000 donors per day to maintain the blood supply for 95% of hospitals across western Washington and Oregon. More than 48,000 appointment slots are open through July 2026 across western Washington. Currently, 3% of the population donates blood.
To maintain baseline inventory levels, Bloodworks imported blood from alternative regions of the United States. The process of donating blood requires 1 hour from check-in to completion, with the extraction taking 10 minutes or less.
Appointments can be scheduled through the Bloodworks website, by telephone at 800-398-7888, or by texting BWAPP to 999-777. Walk-in donations are also accepted.
In Whatcom County, donations can be scheduled at the Bloodworks Northwest Bellingham Center, 410 W Bakerview Road, #117. A mobile donation drive is scheduled for June 19, 2026, at 1501 12th Street in Fairhaven during the Fairhaven Community Blood Drive from 10am to – 4pm.
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