FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Type O Blood Supply Continues to Plummet as Car Crash Victims Arrive at Harborview

MARCH 07, 2000 — The region's blood supply continues to drop today while at least four seriously injured car crash victims are being treated at Harborview Medical Center. Puget Sound Blood Center officials urge local residents to give blood as soon as possible.

According to Blood Center spokesman Keith Warnack, four patients involved in motor vehicle accidents this morning were brought to Harborview today in need of emergency blood transfusions. "Today's rash of trauma patients follows a day when three simultaneous organ transplants requiring type O blood were being performed at the UW Medical Center," Warnack said. "As of 10 this morning, less than 200 pints of O negative blood remain in inventory. Just one trauma patient could need 50 pints of blood."

Due to the severity of the shortage, donation appointments are not necessary.

Donation centers in Seattle, Bellevue, North Seattle, Everett, Silverdale and Tukwila will be open until 8 p.m. today. Centers in Bellingham and Olympia will be open until 7 p.m.

Information may also be found on the Blood Center website at www.psbc.org.

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