Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) has declared a blood emergency! The organization is asking people across the state to donate blood to help replenish the blood supply.
It takes at least 350 donors per day to supply the 19 local hospitals throughout the Delmarva Peninsula with the blood they need for patients. And in order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. Right now, reserves are below that minimum and there are particular shortages, as indicated below:
These low levels are particularly dangerous leading into summer months, when people are less likely to donate blood as schools go on summer break and families take vacations. The best preparation for life-threatening situations is having blood on hospital shelves in advance.
The Chester River Health Foundation will hold a blood drive on Friday, August 17, 2018, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown!
Be Someone’s Hero. Give Blood. Schedule your appointment now by visiting our Donor Portal and enter Sponsor Code: UMCC, or by calling 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 (1-888-825-6638). You can also download our scheduling app on your Android or iPhone.
You can be a hero just by rolling up your sleeve and giving blood! Blood Bank of Delmarva needs about 350 donors a day to supply all 16 hospitals on Delmarva—helping more than 20,000 patients a year. Your one pint of blood can save up to three lives.
Some things to keep in mind if you decide to give blood:
- You must be between the ages of 17 and 79 years old and have a photo ID with proof of birth date.
- You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
- You must be in general good health.
- If you had a tattoo, body piercing, or branding within the past 12 months, you may not give blood. Ear piercing conducted by a reputable technician using an ear piercing gun is acceptable.
- If you have traveled outside of the U.S., please bring a list of any countries you have visited. You should know where you went, when you went, and how long you were there. Note: Malaria risk areas change on a continual basis. For more information on donor travel guidelines, visit http://www.delmarvablood.org/locations/donor-travel-guidelines/.
We hope you will decide to join in saving local lives.
For more information on giving blood, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org.