Blood Donation is an Essential Activity

There is a critical need for blood donation in April and May to ensure blood stays available in our community as we weather this pandemic together. Volunteer blood donors provide 100 percent of our community’s blood supply. Health officials and blood community leaders surge Americans to give blood now. 

Donating blood saves lives. All types of blood are needed for cancer treatment, trauma cases, and many other situations. Thousands of units of blood are needed every day.

It is safe to donate blood. There is no known risk to blood donors. Blood centers are regulated by the FDA and must follow specific guidelines to ensure safe blood is always available for patients who need it. 

Donating blood takes an hour or less, from check-in until the time you leave. Actual donation time is about 10 minutes. The normal donor screening process includes evaluation of your health at the time of donation, your travel history, and your temperature. These criteria help assure blood safety.

Most people in general good health can donate blood. However, some medical conditions or events in your medical history might prevent you from being a donor. Visit the donation centers below and read their FAQ and other information about who can donate blood.

To donate blood, you must make an appointment at a blood center (see below). Blood donation appointments are spaced out to ensure social distancing and a safe, controlled experience for donors and staff. When making an appointment, you may experience long hold times. Please be patient.

Mariners Blood Drive at T-Mobile Park

In order to meet the ongoing social distancing guidelines, this blood drive is be conducted by one-hour appointments. Only scheduled appointments are allowed. Fans are invited to wear team colors as they participate in the blood drive at T-Mobile Park. Here are some details:

• By appointment only at T-Mobile Park, through May 30, 2020. Participants are reminded that bags are not allowed inside the park.
• No walk-ins, guests or people under the age of 16 are permitted onsite. 
• Free parking will be available on the plaza adjacent to the Mariners garage on the corner of Edgar Martinez Drive and Occidental St. 
• Two free Mariners tickets for blood donors at T-Mobile Park.
• Sign-up on the Bloodworks Northwest donor portal.

Puget Sound blood donation centers

Donating blood is easy and quick. There are blood center donation locations throughout the Puget Sound region. 

Bloodworks Northwest

Bloodworks Northwest is an independent, non-profit organization that works to provide a safe, lifesaving blood supply to more than 90 Northwest hospitals. Backed by more than 70 years of history (previously known as Puget Sound Blood Center) Bloodworks is a cornerstone of healthcare in the Northwest. They save lives through medical and laboratory services in partnership with our community. Physicians at Bloodworks Northwest are specialists in transfusion medicine. Their labs offer diverse testing services to support many surgical needs and patient care. Their research makes scientific breakthroughs to help people live longer and healthier lives – locally, and around the world.

For more information about Bloodworks Northwest or to make an appointment, visit their website or FAQ: https://www.bloodworksnw.org/donate/need-to-know/frequently-asked-questions

Cascade Regional Blood Services

Cascade Regional Blood Services (CRBS) has supplied blood to MultiCare Health System hospitals and health centers in Pierce and South King Counties since 1946. Along with supplying blood and blood products to the community, they also perform specialty therapeutic procedures. CRBS is a member of national organizations Blood Centers of America and America’s Blood Centers, which provide additional resources and support.

For more information about CRBS or to make an appointment, visit their website or FAQ: https://www.crbs.net/faq/

Love our cheap ideas? Get our FREE email newsletters. Choose from daily, weekly, and monthly lists. Click here to subscribe.