The fatal bus and vehicle crash in Seattle today has the potential to impact the northwest blood supply. Four people were killed, eight were critically injured. At least twenty others received minor injuries. The injured patients are being treated in trauma centers.
The Lane Blood Center says it is part of Bloodworks Northwest, a regional network. The center in Eugene says it is responding to additional orders for blood components from a number of the hospitals receiving injured patients.
The head of Bloodworks Northwest says the emergency demand can be met, but the normal supply needs to be replenished.
All eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood and help prevent a crisis. There is a special need for O positive and O negative blood types.
Donors can call 541-484-9111 or visit Lane Blood for more information, and to see a schedule of upcoming mobile blood drives throughout the community.
Lane Blood Center is open 10am-6pm Monday-Wednesday, 8am-3:30pm Thursday-Friday and 8am-12pm Saturday. To be eligible to donate you must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 lbs., be in general good health and have eaten a meal with protein within 4 hours of your donation.
