The PNW is in a code red and Western Washington and Oregon are in dire need of blood donations. Unfortunately, people aren’t donating as much as they used to and it has caused severe shortages, specifically with universal blood Type O being the most requested. In an effort to curb the shortage, Highline will be hosting a blood drive on campus. 

In a press release by Bloodworks it states that blood Type O is “especially for trauma and emergency situations when the patient’s blood type is unknown.” It’s crucial for people to continue to donate, especially those with Type O blood. 

The ThunderWord spoke to Sarah Goddard, the Community Engagement Liaison for Bloodworks Northwest, and here’s what we know: Bloodworks will need a high level of donations over the next six weeks. 

“People being busy over the holidays and then returning, getting back into the new year, we see blood donations have a sharp fall. As well as projected appointments have been severely impacted and they’re pretty low right now,” Goddard tells us. 

Finley Hill, a Highline student who has never donated blood before and isn’t a big fan of needles, said she is still open to the idea, “If there was an opportunity, I think I would definitely consider it.” 

If you’re looking to do a good deed as one of your New Year’s resolutions perhaps donating blood maybe something looking into. According to the blood donating stats “only about 3% of people donate blood but if we were able to get just one more percent of the population to step up we can ease shortages and save lives,” Goddard explained. 

How can you help out your community? Highline will be doing a blood drive Feb. 18 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Building 2 which is located in front of Building 10. For driving students or staff, you can park in the east parking lot or the S-1 parking lot for easy access. 

If you are unsure if you can donate, Goddard said, “Most people that are in good health that are at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs can donate whole blood every 56 days.” You can go to BloodworksNW.org where you can find out if you are eligible to donate. If you’re not eligible don’t be discouraged you can still help out your community by spreading the word, or volunteering to help! 

If you are looking to donate, please sign up HERE for an available slot time and be sure you prepare a few days ahead by:

• Keeping yourself hydrated starting 48 hours before donating.  
• Getting in a hearty meal, full of protein and fiber. 
• Getting a good night’s rest.

“We have our staff that are very well trained, they’ll take you step by step through the whole process, answer any questions you might have and you know, it’s meant to be a super easy and rewarding experience to give back to your community,” said Goddard.

So mark your calendars and make sure you sign up!