NW called upon to donate blood for Las Vegas, but supply is low

The Northwest has been called upon to send blood donations to Las Vegas in the wake of America’s worst mass shooting. The region, however, is low on supply.

“Patients there are going to need support for many days, most likely,” said James AuBuchon, president and CEO of Bloodworks NW.

Bloodworks NW is calling on any available donor in the region to donate blood. Donors can call 1-800-398-7888 or visit www.bloodworksnw.org to find a location and time to donate.

At least 50 killed, 500 injured in Las Vegas massacre

AuBuchon said that Bloodworks NW has been in contact with United Blood Services to send any available donations to Las Vegas. The Northwest has sent some “group O” blood cells already, AuBuchon said, but there’s a problem. The region’s blood supply is very low as the need in Las Vegas continues.

“The magnitude of the disaster in Las Vegas would stretch the blood inventory of any city,” AuBuchon said. “At the moment, our inventories in Seattle are very tight and we would have to depend on the assistance of other blood centers from other parts of the country … Our inventories have been chronically low for the last 6 months. We need the community’s support now and every day to make sure we have the blood ready when patients need it.”

Funds for Las Vegas

In the wake of the Las Vegas shooting Sunday night, a GoFundMe account was set up to aid the victims and the families of those who were killed.

Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak and Sheriff Joe Lombardo created the account with a fundraising goal of $1 million.

Within the first three hours of the campaign, more than $620,000 was raised.

Click here to visit the GoFundMe page.

Funds will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting​, according to the GoFundMe page.

You can also donate through the American Red Cross. The Southern Nevada chapter of the Red Cross accepts donations on its website, by phone at 702-369-3674 or via mail at 1771 East Flamingo Road, #206B, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119.

KIRO 7 contributed to this report.

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