Local blood supply at emergency low

Western Washington blood centers stayed open late Monday to replenish the area's blood supply, which has dropped to emergency levels.

Holiday travel and vacation plans typically result in fewer people donating blood in winter, but an unexpected increase in the number of patients needing blood last year dwindled the community reserve.

"It provided the perfect storm," said Michael Young, a spokesman for the Puget Sound Blood Center. "This is very rare."

Young said it was coincidence that more patients needed blood last year. There was no natural disaster or large accident to blame for the increased demand.

The blood bank currently has a one-day supply of blood. The Puget Sound Blood Center considers a four-day supply of blood operational.

"If we run out of the supply, we would have to go outside the community for blood," Young said. "If there was a trauma victim and blood was taking longer to get here, it could mean the difference between life and death."

Blood supplies dropped this low last winter as well, when a windstorm prevented mobile blood drives from going out and people were unable to reach the centers.

Young said blood banks are calling regular donors to encourage them to give blood. Centers that are typically closed on Monday were open because of the emergency.

Donors can call 800-398- 7888 to find the nearest blood center.