Blood Bank of Delmarva in need of blood donations

Delmarva — January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Blood Bank of Delmarva is calling on the community for help.

Tony Prado of the Blood Bank of Delmarva said the organization’s blood supply took a significant hit during the two-week holiday period, leading to shortages at blood banks and hospitals across the peninsula. He added that the seasonal flu is also affecting donations and preventing some people from giving blood.

From an inventory perspective, the blood bank currently has a three-day supply, but it needs to maintain about a five-day supply.

“People have been off for the holidays. Maybe they’re just getting back to work or school, and they haven’t had time to donate blood. But somehow, we need to remind folks to donate. That’s what National Blood Donor Month is all about,” Prado said.

In celebration of National Blood Donor Month, the Blood Bank is hosting a press conference with key state and local officials, including Councilman Brian Lewis, Director of Public Safety Robert Murray, and Dr. Robert Rosenbaum.

“The overall goal of this event, in partnership with state and local community officials, is to raise awareness about the constant need for blood. Our marketing manager, Jason Berlin, is an example of someone who battled cancer and required multiple transfusions during surgery, which saved his life,” Prado said.

The event will take place at the Blood Bank’s donor center in Dover.