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Museum Provides Needed Space For Bloodworks Northwest

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Written June 12, 2020

Social distancing recommendations have put a strain on opportunities to donate, as traditional blood drives and bloodmobiles are temporarily unavailable. Bloodworks has created an innovative alternative with Pop-Up Donor Centers that are held in a large setting, allowing higher level of space and safety for donors and staff.

“Part of our commitment to Nordic values is to help the broader community. We’re very grateful for Bloodworks Northwest’s important contribution to public health and happy to assist them during this uncertain time,” said Eric Nelson, CEO and Executive Director of the National Nordic Museum.

Along with the Museum, STG’s Paramount Theatre, Bellevue Arts Museum, and Seattle Rep have all answered the call. By transforming their currently closed spaces into instant Pop-Up Donor Center experiences, these arts organizations joined a list of local venues utilizing their community spaces to provide a lifeline for patients.

Donors will be treated to unique perks at each Pop-Up, like extra takeaways from canteen sponsors like Starbucks, Premera, Orangina, and Yerbae. Those who give at the National Nordic Museum Pop-Up will be treated to two free admission tickets for use when the Museum reopens.

First-time and repeat donors are urged to make their one-hour donation appointment today as a safe and essential action to support local patients. In accordance with current social distancing guidelines, only scheduled appointments will be allowed. No walk-ins, guests, or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. Donors are asked to bring a mask/face covering to their donation. All blood types are urgently needed, but Type O is especially in demand.

“Bloodworks mission supports everyone in our community, every day. Just like the blood supply, the arts community has been severely impacted by the current public health crisis,” said Bloodworks President & CEO Curt Bailey. “Live performances and exhibitions enrich our lives in so many ways and now the venues will literally be giving life to many ill and injured patients. The Pop-Ups will provide an opportunity for over 1,000 community members to give blood in a beautiful setting and better our community at a really crucial time.”

Donors of all blood types are needed to make an appointment to give blood in support of cancer patients, trauma victims, premature babies, or to treat severely ill COVID-19 patients, among others. Bloodworks has posted information addressing questions and concerns for blood donors at bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus. Blood donation takes about an hour from registration to post-donation refreshment. Information about who can donate and where is available at www.bloodworksnw.org.

Further information about this and other events on site or virtually at the National Nordic Museum can be found at nordicmuseum.org/calendar.


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Photo courtesy of Bloodworks Northwest: A member of the Tacoma Rainiers office donating at the Pop-Up at Tacoma’s Cheney Stadium last month.