Donate Blood in Richmond Beach Saturday

By Tom Petersen

The Bloodworks Northwest mobile unit returns to Richmond Beach this Saturday, October 22. It is hoped that another good turn out will fill the bus, as the neighborhood did in August.

The bloodmobile is open from 10am to noon, and from 1pm to 4pm. Appointments are recommended but not necessary; walk-ups are encouraged and needed! All donors must have photo ID.

The Richmond Beach blood drive is held in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center, at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW.

There is always the need for new donors, and experienced donors are encouraged to bring a friend! A recent regulatory change from the Food and Drug Administration limits people to five donations a year (down from six), and deferrals for people who have lately traveled to areas afflicted with the Zika virus have also impacted donations.

The Zika "quarantine" is only 28 days. All potential donors receive a screening; people not sure if they are eligible, but who would like to donate blood, should come to the bloodmobile to find out.