SENATE RESOLUTION
8669
By Senators Harris and Wagoner
WHEREAS, A safe and reliable blood supply is essential to the health and safety of Washington residents and is required every day for emergency response, trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, organ transplants, maternal health, and chronic disease management; and
WHEREAS, Hospitals and health care providers across Washington rely on thousands of blood transfusions each day, and blood products cannot be manufactured or stockpiled long-term, making ongoing voluntary donation essential; and
WHEREAS, Red blood cells have a shelf life of approximately 42 days and platelets only five days, requiring a continuous and stable donor base to meet patient needs; and
WHEREAS, Fewer than five percent of eligible individuals donate blood annually, despite the fact that one blood donation can save up to three lives; and
WHEREAS, The month of January historically presents heightened risk to the blood supply due to seasonal illness, severe weather, holiday travel, and reduced donor availability, often resulting in critically low inventory levels and "Code Red" shortages; and
WHEREAS, Washington's growing and aging population, along with increased demand for complex medical procedures, places additional strain on the state's blood supply; and
WHEREAS, Voluntary blood donors provide a vital public service through their selfless contributions, helping ensure equitable access to lifesaving care for patients in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike; and
WHEREAS, Partnerships among blood collection organizations, employers, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community groups are proven strategies for increasing donor participation and expanding access to blood donation opportunities; and
WHEREAS, President Nixon issued proclamation number 3952 on December 31, 1969, officially designating the observance of National Blood Donor month in January of 1970;