CrowdStrike Outage and Summer Drop Cause Blood Donation Crisis

Photo byNguyễn HiệponUnsplash

Blood banks are in dire need of donations in the aftermath of the CrowdStrike outage, according to the Washington Department of Health.

The department reported on Thursday that between the computer systems crash that grounded planes worldwide and the summertime drop in blood donations has brought the blood supply in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to concerningly low levels amid summer vacation season.

“Running out of gas on your summer road trip is inconvenient, but ensuring our hospitals have enough blood is crucial,’ said Michael Martinez of Vitalant’s Spokane region Regional Blood Services. “You can make a significant impact by donating blood at a center or drive. In just one hour, you can help ensure trauma centers have the blood they need to care for patients this summer.”

The DOH reports that Bloodworks Northwest alone canceled 248 donation appointments on the day of the CrowdStrike outage.

According to the DOH, Type O-positive donors, who make up 38% of the population, and O-negative donors, the universal donor type, are especially needed.

Health leaders are encouraging would-be blood donors to make an appointment, the DOH reports.

“Your community needs you,” said Dr. Kirsten Alcorn, co-chief medical officer at Bloodworks Northwest. “As a blood donor, you’ve already made a huge, lifesaving impact. This summer, we’re asking you to give again during the final stretch of summer. Trauma cases spike significantly this time of year, and we need to ensure people have access to the blood they need.”

Interested parties can schedule appointments with Vitalant, Cascade Regional Blood Services, Bloodworks Northwest, or the American Red Cross online.