Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) officials say this summer's blood supply is the lowest ever.  “Every blood center in the country is struggling to keep an adequate supply on the shelves of their hospitals,” said Michael Waite, BBD director of marketing and community relations. “That’s why we’re asking anyone who has the capability of donating blood to please do so as soon as possible."

All blood types are needed, especially O-, the universal blood type, and both B+ and B-. “Less than 10 percent of the population eligible to donate blood in the US does so, which is why it is so vital that those who can give consider donating," said Waite. “Summer is a time when people are more active and the risk of injury or trauma is even greater. We must maintain a safe level of blood for all the hospitals we serve in the Delmarva region to handle any emergency. This is the busiest time of the year for trauma centers and we have to be prepared for any event that may occur."

One in seven people will need a blood transfusion sometime in their lifetime, according to Waite.

Blood Bank of Delmarva has incentives for those who donate, including a chance to win a pair of four-day passes to next year’s Firefly Music Festival in Dover, along with a $1,000 gift card from TD Bank as part of BBD’s Summer Blood Challenge.

“The incentives are there to help convince people to try donation, but the biggest reason donors say they give blood is because they want to help someone else," Waite said.

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. BBD needs more than 300 donors a day to meet the needs of the hospitals served in the Delmarva region.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or download their free mobile app.