New Blood Donor Center to Open Despite Snow

JANUARY 17, 2007, SEATTLE — January 17, 2007 SEATTLE — The heavy snow and ice we are experiencing in Western Washington is also impacting the region’s blood supply. Southwest Washington Blood Program’s blood supply is currently at Critical levels, roughly a two to three day supply. A number of blood drives have been cancelled and many donors have had difficulty making it to scheduled blood drives.

Southwest Washington Blood Program of Puget Sound Blood Center is urging volunteers who can safely make it to scheduled blood drives or to the Blood Program’s new permanent blood donor center, located just east of Westfield Vancouver mall, to donate as soon as possible.

The Blood Program’s new state-of-the-art donor center opens today. The new donor center is located at 9320 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Suite 100. Hours of operation for the new donor center are Tuesday/Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday/Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Blood Program is the main supplier of blood to medical centers and hospitals in Clark and Cowlitz counties and has been serving patients in this part of the state for more than 10 years. But the amount of blood needed surpasses the amount donated locally. The new donor center is part of an effort to offer donors more donation options.

Any coverage of this opening is greatly appreciated.

To Donate Walk-ins are welcome. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment ahead of time by calling 1-800-398-7888 or to visit the Blood Program’s Web site at www.swblood.org.

The Southwest Washington Blood Program is a volunteer-supported, nonprofit community resource that has been serving patients in Southwest Washington for more than ten years. The Blood Program is main supplier of blood the medical facilities in Clark and Cowlitz Counties. For more information on Southwest Washington Blood Program please see our Web site at www.swblood.org.

If you have any questions, please contact Tom Butterworth at 206-292-6511 or page at 206-680-2610.

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