Blood Bank of Delmarva asking for donations

The Blood Bank of Delmarva is asking area residents to lend a hand this holiday season, by donating blood. The Blood Bank has issued an urgent call to help, stating that the holiday season is a challenge for their organization, as donors cancel their scheduled appointments. The holiday season is apparently causing an increased call for donors.

“The Holiday Season is challenging for blood centers across the country, as many scheduled donors cancel their appointments and we find ourselves in critical need of blood to serve our hospitals and their patients. The need for O Negative blood, the universal blood type, is most urgent” said Michael Waite, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Blood Bank of Delmarva.

“We are also asking O Positive and A Positive donors to give us a call as soon as they’re able. Additionally, we’re urging Platelet donors to come in soon and those who have appointments to please honor them. Platelets only have a shelf life of five days, so it is essential that we maintain an adequate supply as we move closer to the actual holidays,” Waite continued.

The Blood Bank has locations in Christiana, Wilmington, and Dover, Delaware, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and Salisbury, Maryland. Appointments are reportedly encouraged, but due to the current need, walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit the Blood Bank’s website, or call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8. You can also schedule via the Blood Bank’s free mobile app.