SR 8669
In CommitteeSenate
National blood donor month
Honoring National Blood Donor month.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This resolution formally recognizes January as National Blood Donor Month in Washington State to honor donors and highlight the urgent need for consistent blood donations. It emphasizes how vital voluntary blood donation is to supporting emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and other medical services across the state.
- Formally recognizes January as National Blood Donor Month in Washington State.
- Honors voluntary blood donors for their contributions to saving lives.
- Acknowledges the critical role of blood collection organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and faith-based and community groups in supporting the blood supply.
- Highlights the importance of a stable, voluntary donor base due to the short shelf life of blood products (red blood cells: 42 days, platelets: 5 days).
- Raises awareness about seasonal challenges to the blood supply in January, including illness, weather, and reduced donor availability.
Who is affected
- Patients requiring blood transfusions — People who need blood transfusions for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, or childbirth are directly impacted by the availability of donated blood.
- Hospitals and health care providers — Relies on a steady supply of donated blood to provide emergency, surgical, and chronic care services to patients across the state.
- Blood collection organizations (e.g., Northwest Blood Coalition members) — Organize and run blood drives, manage blood collection and distribution, and support donor recruitment efforts statewide.
- Employers and community organizations — Host blood drives, promote donation among employees, and support community health initiatives.
- Educational institutions — Educate students and the public about blood donation and support local drives through schools, colleges, and universities.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal recognition of National Blood Donor Month raises public awareness and may increase donor participation, directly supporting emergency and routine medical care access for all Washingtonians — especially vulnerable populations like trauma patients, cancer patients, and obstetric patients who depend on timely transfusions.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Voluntary blood donors provide a vital public service... helping ensure equitable access to lifesaving care for patients in urban, suburban, and rural communities alikeThe resolution highlights the extremely low donation rate relative to need, reinforcing the urgency of donor recruitment — a fact that, when amplified by official recognition, can mobilize community action and improve supply stability for all patients.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Fewer than five percent of eligible individuals donate blood annually... one blood donation can save up to three livesBy spotlighting January’s seasonal blood shortages, the resolution encourages targeted donor mobilization during a high-risk period, helping prevent life-threatening delays in care across the state.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: WHEREAS, The month of January historically presents heightened risk to the blood supply... often resulting in critically low inventory levels and 'Code Red' shortagesThe resolution affirms and encourages multi-sector collaboration, which can expand access to donation opportunities — especially in underserved or rural communities — improving equity in blood availability.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Partnerships among blood collection organizations, employers, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community groups are proven strategies for increasing donor participation...Formal recognition reinforces the state’s commitment to maintaining a stable blood supply, supporting uninterrupted hospital operations and reducing the risk of canceled or delayed surgeries and treatments.
HealthcarePeopleRef: WHEREAS, Hospitals and health care providers across Washington rely on thousands of blood transfusions each day...
Who Is Most Affected
Patients requiring transfusions benefit significantly from increased donor awareness and supply stability — especially those with chronic conditions (e.g., sickle cell disease, cancer) who depend on regular infusions. This resolution supports equitable access across urban, suburban, and rural settings.
Hospitals and providers benefit from reduced operational risk and scheduling uncertainty tied to blood shortages. While the resolution imposes no new costs or mandates, it supports system resilience — especially during seasonal dips.
Blood collection organizations (e.g., Northwest Blood Coalition) gain symbolic and political support for their work, which may aid in fundraising, staffing, and community outreach — but the resolution itself does not provide new funding or authority.
Employers and community groups may see increased opportunities to host drives and fulfill CSR goals, but participation remains voluntary and not mandated. Benefits are modest and indirect.
Educational institutions can integrate blood donation into civic education and student engagement — but again, this resolution is symbolic and does not fund or require new programs.