The need for blood never takes a holiday

an easy way — that doesn’t cost you a cent. and the bonus — you could help save a life. dani? thank you emily — it’s giving tuesday — which is actually a global day of giving — and a number of local organizations participated — which we have been talking about for the past couple of days. but there is one way that you can donate — and it’s not the typical thing you might think of. it’s donating blood. folks at the blood bank of delmarva — tell us why the need is especially great over the holiday season. track one the need for blood never takes a holiday. 23:35:44 blood is a precious live saving resource it saves thousands of lives every year 23:35:50 track two doctor michael wagner is p-r-m-c’s medical director for transfusion medicine. everyday — he gives blood transfusions — to patients whose lives depend on it. from trauma victims — to folks with chronic conditions. blood is always in demand. 23:36:13 so we use the most blood in patients who have things like cancer, chronic kidney disease, infections and these things and these patients are actually dependent on blood transfusions so that their bodies can function 23:36:23 track three doctor wagner tells 47 abc that — some patients come in as often as two times a month in need of new blood — and right now — a shortage in the blood supply is typical. which is why the blood bank of delmarva — started the holiday heroes campaign. 23:44:17 well we’re trying to bring awareness to really the months of december and january because it’s a tough month to get people to come in cause they’re all so busy so we’re making it a little more interesting and fun by offering fun incentives and keeping it out in the public’s eye that we still need you to come in 23:44:33 track four suzanne murray — is a donor recruiter for the blood bank of delmarva. she tells us holiday heroes — is their first attempt at doing something for the entire month of december — to give back to those who come in and take the time to help those in need — through the campaign — anyone who donates can win prizes all month long — even a 15 hundred dollar gift card — 23:44:49 we really want to thank those that can spend take an hour an hour and a half out of their day to come in and actually give somebody the gift of life i mean what a wonderful christmas present 23:44:58 track five and for those — skeptical about giving blood — just remember 23:37:15 when you’re donating blood you’re actually helping multiple people at once so it’s very nice 23:37:17 track six dani bozzini, 47 abc and dr. wagner says the hospital is always in need of people with type o negative blood — its the universal blood type — often used in trauma cases — when they don’t know the patients blood type as for the holiday heroes campaign… it runs from december 1st to january 2nd. you can donate at any of the blood bank of delmarva locations — emily? thank you. that’s 47 abc’s dani bozzini reporting live in studio. to find out more about how to donate blood. call 1-888-8-blood or visit them online at delmarvablood dot org coming up — a successful black friday for shoppers in the u-s. 47