Perfect Storm Forces Bloodworks Northwest to Declare “Code Red”
Regional Blood Supply at Emergency Levels as Summer Donations Decline and
Major Events Strain Already Limited Supply During 100 Deadliest Days
Western Washington & Oregon Urged to Donate Blood
( June 2026 ) — The region’s blood supply has reached emergency low levels as a convergence of factors — a seasonal decline in donations, high blood usage in local hospitals, and a need to bolster supply during an influx of visitors for summer events — has created what Bloodworks Northwest leaders are calling the “perfect storm.” Bloodworks is warning our region that supplies are now dangerously low, threatening their ability to meet daily patient needs and to maintain the emergency reserves required to respond to large – scale incidents during one of the busiest periods of the year for emergency rooms.
“This is a Code Red situation,” said Bloodworks President & CEO Curt Bailey. “We have pulled out all the stops to increase the supply of blood available to patients, but without immediate donor support, hospitals may face difficult decisions about how to manage limited blood inventory . ”
Hospitals rely on a steady blood supply to treat trauma patients, perform surgeries, support cancer care, and respond to emergencies. Right now, donations are down due to summer travel and disrupted routines ; appointments are canceled when temperatures rise; and blood usage is at the highest level in years. At the same time, blood centers must maintain a critical surplus to ensure rapid response capability for unforeseen emergencies. To keep up, Bloodworks has had to bring in blood from other parts of the country, but tight blood supplies across the nation is making that help increasingly difficult.Over 48,000 appointment slots remain open through July , and the need for donors to fill them is urgent. It takes 1,000 donors each day for Bloodworks to maintain the blood supply to 95% of the hospitals in Western Washington and Oregon. Only about 3% of people donate blood, yet, if just 1% more stepped up, we could ease shortages and stabilize the supply. Code Red has been declared due to a less than one – to two – day supply of critical blood types and platelets. Without immediate action, the situation could turn heartbreaking with a single incident .
“ Every donation right now makes an immediate difference,” said Bailey. “That’s why I donated blood recently. Preparedness requires having blood on the shelves, not just enough for today, but enough to respond quickly to any situation. This is a moment for the community to come together to help ensure transfusions are available for everyone who needs them .”
- It takes about an hour to give blood from check – in to post – donation cookie. Actual donation time is about 10 minutes or less.
- Same – day appointments are available at most locations; walk – ins are welcome.
- Appointments can be made at www.bloodworksnw.org, by calling 800- 398 -7888 , or texting BWAPP to 999-777 to download the Bloodworks app.
Thank you Rotarians, friends and families for your continued support of Bloodworks NW.
