The Blood Bank of Delmarva on the summer donor shortage

DELMARVA – They say trauma season happens during the summer months due to extended daylight hours and outdoor activity, and when that happens one may need a transfusion.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva is calling for residents across the region to get out and donate Chelsey Smith, Blood Bank of Delmarva’s Director of Public Relations says they need to supply patients with blood products everyday with school break and summer travel isn’t a top priority, but it is lifesaving. “Blood donation just isn’t the top of mind during the summer months which is incredible difficult for us… We only have about a 3-day supply of blood types on the shelf right now, we want to have a 7 to 10 day supply. Currently we at critically low on types O-, O+, and B-.”

Salisbury resident Estelle Cummings says that there are so many reasons people need blood and overall it saves lives. She started young and encouraged the youth to get involved.  “When I was 18 years old my grandfather needed a blood donation, and I had never given blood and I started when I was 18, have continued, and now I’m 60.”

Smith says that the shortage is real, and they need the help. “Blood can not be manufactured, meaning if anyone needs a blood transfusion, at any of the hospitals that we serve they rely on the generosity of donors on the Delmarva Peninsula.”

Smith says that O-, O+, and B- are very common blood types on the eastern shore, and that’s why they are make a special call to those who have these types. They say they still need all the other blood types to continue to donate so they can have what they need to help those in need. She says they will continue with efforts to make sure the shelves are stocked to save a life.