January was National Blood Donor Month, which highlighted the critical and ongoing need for blood donations across the state.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Northwest Blood Coalition encourage eligible blood donors to participate, especially younger volunteers who are willing to commit to multiple donations each year.
Most people in good health who are at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. In Washington, 16- and 17-year-olds can donate with signed permission forms.
Donations are used for patients undergoing critical medical care such as surgeries and cancer treatments and for patients with other serious and potentially life-threatening conditions and injuries.
The Northwest Blood Coalition serving Washington state includes: Vitalant, Cascade Regional Blood Services, BloodworksNW and the American Red Cross Northwest Region.