Blood emergency declared as donations drop
Blood Bank of Delmarva has issued an urgent call for blood donors as local donations have recently declined by nearly 20%, putting the community’s blood supply even more at risk at an already vulnerable time. As the holiday season approaches, Blood Bank of Delmarva is facing a severe shortage of all blood types, especially Type O, which is crucial for emergencies and trauma care.
The holiday season is a traditionally challenging time for blood donation, as family gatherings and holiday travel often lead to a decrease in donations. The early drop in donations this year is a particularly troubling trend, and Blood Bank of Delmarva is calling on new and returning donors to make an immediate appointment to donate.
“Historically, we see donations drop around the holiday season, but this year’s early decline has created a deficit that has triggered a blood emergency,” said Steve Corse, executive director at Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Our community relies on a steady flow of donors to keep our hospitals supplied, and we’re calling on all who are eligible to roll up their sleeves ahead of this holiday season. It is the ultimate holiday gift, now more than ever.”
“As the holiday season approaches, the demand for blood doesn’t take a break – if anything, it becomes more urgent. With higher risks of travel-related accidents and ongoing routine surgeries, our need for a stable blood supply grows,” said Bayhealth Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Gary Siegelman. “Every donation made during this critical time can mean the difference between life and death for patients relying on transfusions. We encourage everyone who is eligible to give the gift of life this season.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, or to make an appointment at a location near you, donors can go to delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
