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Winter storms deepen severe blood shortage in northwest

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Northwest blood donation centers including the American Red Cross Northwest Region and Bloodworks Northwest are asking for help in donation shortages.

The American Red Cross’ shortage comes after wintry weather and storms along the West Coast.

Snow and icy roads forced 15 blood drives to be canceled recently, causing 450 donations to go uncollected.

"The need for blood doesn't pause for severe weather - it's constant," said Neil Tosuntikool of the Pacific Northwest Red Cross Blood Services Region. "Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Eligible donors of all blood types are critically needed."

Bloodworks Northwest reported it’s critically low on platelets, plasma, and most blood types in what it calls a post-holiday slump.

Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.

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