Donors needed for Bainbridge Island blood drives

Blood and platelet donors across Western Washington responded strongly to an urgent appeal from Puget Sound Blood Center as the recent winter storms caused the regional blood supply to fall to emergency levels. Snow and icy road conditions caused cancellation of almost all blood drives and a drastic reduction in donor visits to blood centers. Lost donations exceeded 2200 units.

"If you haven't given blood recently, we're asking donors to make a special effort this week to donate," he said. "Donors provide a live-saving gift, and we're counting on sustained support from donors and the community to replenish our blood supply by the end of this month."

There is a special need for O-negative blood donors -- universal donors whose blood can be transfused to patients with any other blood type.

The following is a list of blood drives on Bainbridge Island:

Friday, Jan. 27, noon to 6 p.m., closed from 2-2:45 p.m. for lunch, at Bainbridge Island Commons, Senior Center, 370 Brien Dr.

Monday, Jan. 30, noon to 6 p.m., closed from 2-2:45 p.m. for lunch, Bainbridge American Legion Hall, 7880 Ne Bucklin Hill Rd.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, noon to 6 p.m., closed from 2-2:45 p.m. for lunch, in Conger Hall of St. Cecilias Catholic Church, 1310 Madison Ave.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed from 1-2 p.m. for lunch, in the Fellowship Hall of Bainbridge First Baptist Church, 8810 Madison Ave.

For more information, visit Puget Sound Blood Center at www.psbc.org.

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff at editor@bainbridgereview.com or 206-842-6613.

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