With several traumas over the holiday weekend, local hospitals are in need of O- blood.
The Blood Bank of Delmarva is in immediate need of Type O- blood donors. o- is a universal blood type, which can be safely transfused to all patients.
“Over the holiday weekend the hospitals we serve experienced numerous traumas which translated into heavy usage of O Negative units” said Michael Waite, the blood banks’ director of marketing. “Because it is universal, O- blood is always in high demand especially during a crisis.”
“Our supply of this one particular type is very low at the moment, which is why we’re appealing to dedicated donors in our community, as well as to new donors, who may be able to help us. We’re aware of the challenges of making this appeal following a holiday weekend and during the spring break vacation period, but unfortunately the need for blood never takes a vacation.”
Blood Bank of Delmarva has five fixed donor locations— Newark, Dover, Wilmington, DE, Chadds Ford, PA and Salisbury, MD—as well as more than 30 regularly scheduled mobile locations. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome during this time. The nonprofit organization needs 350 donors a day to meet the needs of the hospitals served in the Delmarva region to ensure that more than 20,000 patients a year receive needed blood transfusions.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or download their free mobile app.
