March 11, 2020 3:45 a.m.
The Pacific Northwest’s blood supply is at risk of collapse in coming days, and two local blood drives are happening, seeking to help the situation.
Officials with Bloodworks Northwest said the accelerating number of blood drive cancellations due to the closure of schools, businesses and events in some locations, over coronavirus concerns, has put nearly 60% of the region’s blood supply in jeopardy.
A release from Bloodworks Northwest said that compounding the problem is the nationwide shortage of blood due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. The release said the organization is starting to receive assistance from blood centers across the United States.
In Douglas County, Bloodworks Northwest will have blood drives:
*Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First Interstate Bank in the Garden Valley Shopping Center.
*Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center.
Those who want to help, can drop in, or can make an appointment by calling 800-398-7888, or by going to www.bloodworksnw.org.