Blood Bank of Delmarva issues plea for donations as hurricane brings uncertainties

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Blood BankWith the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Matthew in Florida and other weather uncertainties, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is issuing a plea for immediate blood donations.

“We need to be prepared for any emergency that comes our way”, said Michael Waite, Blood Bank of Delmarva Director of Marketing and Community Relations.  “This weekend we could find ourselves in any number of different scenarios, and as we know all too well, meteorology is far from an exacting science.  It is our duty and responsibility to this community to make sure there’s enough blood on the shelves of the hospitals we serve for any situation that may present itself.  That’s why we’re urging friends and neighbors in our community to help us prepare for the worst by making a blood donation within the next couple of days”.

Many of BBD’s partner blood banks in the area are experiencing current shortages and struggling to supply the hospitals they serve.  That means that if an emergency situation occurred, there’s very little blood available to import.

BBD welcomes donors of all blood types but emphasizes the  need for O and B type blood.

“Less than 10% of the population eligible to donate blood in the US does so, which is why it is so vital that those who have the ability to give consider donating now”, said Waite.  One in seven people will need a blood transfusion sometime in their lifetime.

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Blood Bank of Delmarva has five fixed donor locations— Newark, Dover, Wilmington Chadds Ford, PA and Salisbury, MD—as well as more than 30 regularly scheduled mobile locations.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.  BBD needs more than 300 donors a day to meet the needs of the hospitals served in the Delmarva region.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or download their free mobile app.

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