FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Area Blood Supply Still at Emergency Levels

JANUARY 16, 2007, SEATTLE — The region’s blood supply is still hovering at emergency levels today (a one to two day supply). Today’s snow is having a strong impact on the recovery of the blood supply levels. Multiple blood drives have been cancelled and early indications are that few donors were able to make their way to blood drives and donor centers.

The donor centers and blood drives, which were full over the weekend and Monday, are nearly empty today. The Blood Center expects over 500 volunteers will not be able to make their appointment to donate today.

The Blood Center is still urging those who can safely donate, especially in the next couple days and after the immediate impact of this most recent snowfall has passed, to please do so.

Any coverage of the situation is greatly appreciated and vital to area patients.

Without additional snow, the Blood Center anticipated the levels of the regional blood supply to approach normal levels, a four day supply of blood, later this week. This most recent snowfall may push a full recovery into next week.

Puget Sound Blood Center and Cascade Regional Blood Services of Pierce County are asking volunteers to visit our donor centers or blood drives as soon as possible.

Appointments to donate blood can be made by calling 800-398-7888 or by visiting www.psbc.org. The Web page also lists donor centers and addresses as well as blood drive locations and hours.

Please call or page Tom Butterworth if you have any questions.

Puget Sound Blood Center operates nine donor centers located in Western Washington:

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