Bloodworks and Moi University colleagues with Bungoma County health leaders.
Sparklers, sweet treats…and a chance to save lives. The Fourth of July marks our nation’s independence and an especially important time to give blood. That’s because with many donors away on vacation and more people out on the roads, the local blood supply doesn’t always meet demand.
All of our centers from Bellingham, WA to Eugene, OR are open July 4 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Schedule an appointment online, or just walk in. A whole blood donation takes around an hour, so you’ll be in and out with plenty of time to get to your next event.
Our donor centers are open on July 4, and so are several of our bloodmobiles! Check out the listings below to find the best location and time for you.
Won’t be able to make it in on the 4th? No problem. By scheduling a donation any time this week, you’ll help ensure blood is available when local friends, family and neighbors need it most. Thank you!
This month, join Bloodworks Global Health Ambassador Susan Peck on an eye-opening journey through East Africa with the Bloodworks Center for Global Impact. Susan is a dedicated blood donor and a former Bloodworks Board of Trustees member—read her first travel log here.
Susan pictured after her 105th blood donation in Kenya.
I gave my 105th unit of blood today!
This one was especially memorable as it was in Eldoret, Kenya, rather than in my home of Seattle. As different as this facility and experience was, I couldn’t help but note how (much like Bloodworks) this blood collection site takes great pride in its safety protocols, collection procedures, and ability to distribute this life-saving product to people who need it.
I actually came to this particular site today with the Center for Global Impact to discuss Bloodpak — a method of emergency transfusion developed by Bloodworks. We came to get feedback from local experts who already work to provide safe and accessible blood for their communities, and explore how something like Bloodpak could help that system access the harder-to-reach places. The goal: No one, anywhere, dying from lack of blood.
Susan pictured with members of the Bloodworks Center for Global Impact and local Kenyan blood transfusion experts.
It was so interesting to participate on the preliminary level and make sense of how you dance with infrastructure and cultures that are not your own in order to reach a common goal. Everyone surrounding the table today had a stake in the efficacy, safety and accessibility of blood: the doctors, researchers, quality personnel, and blood donors.
After this meaningful and informative discussion, we were fortunate to donate blood through this local blood bank. I asked the gentleman next to me why he was giving blood.
Amen brother, that’s what we’re here to do to.
Jim Kurdy completed his 100th Bloodworks donation at the Seattle Central Donor Center.
At a young age, Jim witnessed the significance of an active blood donor community. When he was just 12 years old, his father passed away during open heart surgery—but not before receiving multiple blood transfusions.
The habit stuck. After his military service, Jim continued to give blood as a student at North Seattle College, a watch repair apprentice in Idaho, and as a Ben Bridge employee back in Seattle. Through his now 22 years with Ben Bridge, Jim grew from blood donor to avid blood donation advocate, organizing and promoting blood donations at the corporate office.
Inspired by his father’s memory and Herb Bridge’s charitable legacy, Jim is making his own mark in the community, drop by drop. As for his next milestone, he expects to be back in the donor chair soon—just like clockwork.
This month, join Bloodworks Global Health Ambassador Susan Peck on an eye-opening journey through East Africa with the Bloodworks Center for Global Impact. Susan is a dedicated blood donor and a former Bloodworks Board of Trustees member—this is her first travel log.
Bloodworks Global Health Ambassador Susan Peck with her dog, Mojo.
“Best-kept secrets” aren’t always a good thing, especially when you have something to crow about. For example, Bloodworks Northwest is known as the community blood center throughout Western Washington and Oregon. But what many people might not know about—my best-kept secret—is the organization’s work to bring about change in the global medical landscape.
This month the Bloodworks Center for Global Impact is returning to the African continent, where our team is working to make blood more accessible to people in remote locations. This is especially critical for women in these areas who die in huge numbers during or after giving birth.
Susan, pictured with other members of the Bloodworks Board of Trustees.
So I’m going to Africa to see Bloodworks’ efforts to help mothers and other patients—and to share those stories with you. I’ll attend the African Society for Blood Transfusion Congress in Tanzania to learn about maternal health and blood availability across the continent, then travel to Eldoret, Kenya where I’ll observe Bloodworks innovations in action.
“Why me?” I have asked myself. I am not a doctor, researcher or diplomat—I’m your common Jane. A bit about me: I was a member of the Bloodworks Board of Trustees during the mid-nineties when I was the only woman among businessmen, doctors and attorneys—all a good 20 years older than I. (Since then, more women have joined the board, which is now led by Holli Harris, a remarkable woman in her own right!) I was a stay-at-home mother of two elementary children. I give blood because I see this as a service I can physically provide my brothers and sisters.
Susan with her husband, Bowen, daughter, Annalee and Mojo.
Why me? Well, why not me? Bloodworks is altering the medical landscape in stride with Fred Hutchinson, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Northwest Kidney Centers and many other healthcare giants. To be at the forefront during these progressive times is and has been a treat. To consume with my own eyes and experience the progression of lifesaving research makes me feel a part of it. Sharing with you what I see on the African continent, how I interact with its people and the knowledge I will gain at the transfusion congress will enrich my life. Being a part of the Bloodworks team is an honor and I am so excited to be a reporter and Global Health Ambassador.