Blood supplies are down right now and this typically happens in the summer because people go on vacation or are thinking of enjoying the nice weather, rather than giving blood,” said Michael Waite, Director of Marketing and Community Relations. “However, the need for blood never takes a vacation and we need about 350 donors a day to help ensure sufficient supplies for the 16 hospitals on Delmarva.”
The Summer Blood Challenge, a friendly competition among area employers that earn points for blood donations, helps boost the local summer supply. As demand increases, however, more participation from the local community is essential.
Blood Bank of Delmarva has four fixed donation centers—Christiana, Wilmington and Dover, DE and Salisbury, MD. In addition, more than 30 community mobiles are held throughout Delmarva to make it convenient to give blood no matter where an individual lives or works.
“We are grateful for dedicated donors who take the time come to our centers and mobiles to save local lives,” said Waite. “Our downtown Wilmington center is a bit slower than normal, and we encourage in that area visit the center and give blood.”
For a complete list of blood donation sites and to schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org/donate or call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.
Blood Bank of Delmarva is a non-profit, community service program that provides blood for the 16 hospitals in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. More than 350 blood donors are needed every day to meet the needs of patients at those hospitals.
