SHS opens blood drive to community amid “Code Red” shortage

The Stanwood-Camano School District posted this on its website on 2026-01-19 16:00:00.

Anyone and everyone is urgently needed to donate blood at Stanwood High School.

In response to a critical regional blood shortage, the Stanwood High School Sports Medicine Department is hosting a blood drive for the entire community. The drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, in the North Gym at Stanwood High School.

Bloodworks Northwest has declared a “Code Red” emergency after blood donations fell sharply across Western Washington and Oregon. Local hospitals now have less than a one- to two-day supply of some critical blood types and platelets, with Type O and platelet donations especially needed.

When school staff learned just how urgent the need had become, students and educators didn’t hesitate to step up and help. This blood drive is one way our school community can support patients, hospitals, and families across the region during a time of real need.

Hospitals rely on a steady local blood supply for emergencies, surgeries, and life-saving treatments. With donations currently falling short, blood is being brought in from other parts of the country — a temporary and unsustainable solution.

Students can sign up with Mr. Brennan. Donors ages 16-17 will need a signed permission form, available at lunch or in Mr. Brennan’s room. All donors should eat well, stay hydrated, and bring a photo ID on donation day.

Community members are welcome and encouraged to participate. Anyone in the community may contact Matt Brennan directly  via email — mbrennan@stanwood.wednet.edu — to book a donation time slot.

For those unable to donate at Stanwood High School, Bloodworks will also host mobile blood drives in the area in early February:

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, Saint Aidan’s Episcopal Church on Camano Island

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, St. Cecilia in Stanwood

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, St. Cecilia in Stanwood

To learn more about donating or other ways to help, visit bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888.

Thank you to everyone who is stepping up to help ensure hospitals have the blood they need to care for our community.