OC Beach Blanket Blood Drive set for January 20

A local beach town is looking to help their community, by hosting a blood drive.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva says on Wednesday, January 20 from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM, they will be holding the 18th Annual Beach Blanket Blood Drive at the Ocean City Convention Center, on Coastal Highway. Officials say they are expecting between 400 and 500 participants at this year’s event.

“The OC Cares Blood Drive is very important in helping us maintain the local blood supply.  BBD serves 18 hospitals and approximately 20,000 patients a year, across Delmarva,” Michael Waite, Blood Bank of Delmarva’s Director of Marketing and Community Relations, said. “This is our largest drive of the year on the lower eastern shore, and it comes at a crucial time of year.  With many of our neighbors battling flu and other illnesses during the winter, and others just getting back into their normal routine after the holidays, the blood collected at this drive is critical to helping save the lives of patients all across the Peninsula.”

Officials say, when separated into individual components, each unit of blood has the potential to save up to three lives. The theme for this year’s event is “OC Cares!” Participants will received a free “OC Cares!” t-shirt, and will be entered to win a 60 inch flatscreen TV as part of BBD’s Winter Blood Challenge.

The event is open to the public, but appointments are recommended. Donors may schedule an appointment online, by calling 1 888 8-BLOOD-8, or by using the Blood Bank’s free mobile app.