Blood Bank of Delmarva in urgent need of blood donations ahead of July 4th weekend
DELAWARE – The Blood Bank of Delmarva has issued an urgent call for blood donors ahead of the July 4th weekend.
We’re told blood donations across Delaware are trending 38% lower than what is needed to meet hospital demand.
“So to put that into perspective, we need to see about 1,500 donors each and every week and right now, we’re seeing less than 1,000,” said Chelsey Smith, Director of Public Relations for Blood Bank of Delmarva.
Blood Bank of Delmarva sounding the alarm, as they’re in need of blood donations during the busy summer months.
“It comes as we are facing a critical shortage with a couple of our blood types,” said Tony Prado, Communications Specialist with Blood Bank of Delmarva. “This is not a full blown emergency, I want to emphasize, however, when you look at our O- and B- blood supplies in particular, they have fallen to a critical level at a one or two-day supply at best, whereas with all blood types we ideally maintain a five to seven day supply.”
O- type blood is especially vital because it is the universal blood type used in fast-moving emergencies.
This time of year, blood donations often drop due to school breaks, vacations and busy summer schedules, but the need for blood never changes.
“That drop in donations throughout the summer months, it poses a serious risk to patients who rely on a safe and stable blood supply to receive treatment,” said Smith.
Summer is also known as trauma season in the healthcare community.
There is typically a rise in injuries that may require a blood transfusion because more people are getting outside and traveling.
“It’s up to us to hustle and get the word out and like I said sometimes you have to sweeten the pot and incentivize people, hence the t-shirt giveaway and also the packable backpack that we’re giving out between June 27th and July 7th,” said Prado.
The Blood Bank of Delmarva is also calling on businesses, schools, religious groups and other community organizations to host blood drives this summer.
They say hosting a drive or volunteering can be just as lifesaving as giving blood.
To make an appointment to give blood, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
