With the possibility of this winter’s first significant storm of the season, the Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is urging blood donors to strongly consider donations.
“Cold and flu season has started to take its toll on our donor base,” said Michael Waite, director of Marketing & Community Relations at the Blood Bank. “In addition, we’ve supported multiple traumas since the beginning of the year, which has caused a significant increase in blood utilization and has taken a toll on our local inventory. If we experience the type of storm they’re calling for, our supply situation could become critical very quickly.” It takes an average of 350 donors a day to supply the blood and blood products that local hospitals need to treat their patients.”
Blood Bank of Delmarva operates five permanent donor centers throughout the Delmarva region, as well as more than 30 mobile donation locations.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days as long as an individual is at least 17 years of age, weighs at least 110 pounds and is in generally good health. Platelets can be donated every two weeks as long as the donor has a height, weight and platelet count ratio that is conducive to giving. Over 35% of the US population is eligible to give blood, but only 5% actually do.
For more information about the Blood Bank or to schedule a donation appointment, please call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org. You can also download BBD’s mobile app and schedule an appointment on your mobile device. Although appointments are preferred, walk-in donors are always welcome.
