DOVER — The Blood Bank of Delmarva is down to a three-day blood supply, which is not sufficient to meet local hospital needs.
Because of the pandemic, the Blood Bank has seen virtually no …
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DOVER — The Blood Bank of Delmarva is down to a three-day blood supply, which is not sufficient to meet local hospital needs.
Because of the pandemic, the Blood Bank has seen virtually no youth first-time donors, 235 fewer blood drives and 5,000 Delmarva residents who have yet to return to donate over the past year or so. Complicating matters, recently there has been a surge in blood usage as hospitals perform surgeries and patients seek medical care that was postponed during the pandemic.
The increased need and lag in donors has created a chronic gap in blood donations.
The Blood Bank is partnering with a number of local breweries this summer in an effort to bolster collections. Donors will receive a coupon for discounts on the charity brew and receive a commemorative T-shirt.
In addition, the Blood Bank will hold a grand opening of its new Dagsboro Donor Center at 10:30 a.m. today.
Donating blood is safe and only takes an hour, and there are extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. Individuals are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms.
Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visiting here.