Summer is a challenging time for blood collection — blood centers all across the nation expect donations to fall by about 15 percent during summer, with schools and colleges on break and donors on vacation. The need for blood is continuous through the summer to support the normal needs of the regional health care system. Patients continue to undergo surgeries and organ transplants. Emergency rooms treat traumatic injuries, and people receive blood components for cancer treatment. In addition to patient needs, we also want to ensure our community has a strong and stable blood supply at all times, in case of a catastrophic or emergency event.

From 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed 1:30–2:30) on Friday, June 15, at the Community Church. To schedule an appointment contact Sasha Seiden at Sashas@bloodworksnw.org or 360-527-3651.