FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blood Center Urges November Donation

NOVEMBER 14, 2001, SEATTLE— Puget Sound Blood Center wishes to thank the thousands of spirited Western Washington donors who gave blood in the week following terrorist attacks on the United States. As a result of their response to the country’s call for donations, the Blood Center’s supply is now at full capacity.

“The emergency need for blood has been met on the East Coast and storage capacity here is being tested,” said Dr. Richard Counts, Blood Center president.

Consequently, people are encouraged to register now to donate in November. Since blood can be stored for only six weeks, the need once again will be great during the holiday season.

Prospective donors can register for November/December appointments at any of the nine Blood Center donation sites by calling 1-800-398-7888 or by visiting the Blood Center’s website, www.psbc.org. Locations and hours of each site are also listed online.

The local blood inventory status reflects the national picture in the wake of the September 11 attacks. The U.S. blood supply is currently filled to capacity and the affected New York and Washington, D.C. areas have already tallied required amounts. New York Blood Center collected 5,000 units in the 24 hours following the attacks and also received shipments from nearby blood centers.

Puget Sound Blood Center registered nearly 5,000 donors on September 11 and 12.

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