Blood Bank of Delmarva this week declared a “blood emergency.”
The nonprofit is seeking additional blood donations to replenish the blood supply, which requires at least 350 donors per day to supply 19 local hospitals throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. These hospital maintain a seven-day inventory of all blood types that is continually replenished.
Reserves are currently below that minimum.
The Blood Bank notes that a low supply is particularly dangerous during the summer months, when schools go on break and families leave town for vacation.
“Hospitals and patients rely on blood donors year-round, but with blood supplies at critical lows, now more than ever is the time to donate,” said Michele Hart-Henry, vice president and chief operating officer of the Blood Bank. “By hosting a blood drive, spreading the word, or simply taking an hour of their day to give blood, Delmarva residents can help ensure everyone has access to the life-saving blood they need.”
The Blood Bank is calling on individuals to donate and for companies and organization to hold blood drives. Here are some ways to help:
1. Donate blood or platelets at a donor center.
2. Donate at a mobile blood drive.
3. Host a blood drive in your community or at your organization.
4. Educate others in your family, community, and organization about blood donations, and encourage them to donate themselves and/or host a blood drive.
5. Promote the need for blood donors on social media.
More information is available at: https://donate.bbd.org
