Bloodworks Northwest has issued an urgent appeal for blood donors. Inventories have dipped to critical levels due to consecutive weeks of Spring break vacations and a very early Easter holiday. There is a special need for O blood type and platelets, but all types are welcomed. Type O negative blood is the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient suffering from trauma when they are rushed to a hospital and there is no time to type their blood.

Donating blood takes less an hour, and because blood can be broken down into its three components each donation can potentially save three lives.

Further details and a list of Bloodworks Northwest donor centers are in the release below. Appointments to donate can be scheduled at schedule.bloodworksnw.org, or by calling 1-800-398-7888.