Blood Bank of Delmarva calls for more donors

DOVER — The Blood Bank of Delmarva is encouraging blood donation this holiday weekend, due to low donor turnout and the start of the critical summer period for supply.

The summer months are a typically challenging time for blood collection, with school breaks, travel and seasonal gatherings making donating less of a priority.

Therefore, the blood bank will be running a promotion through Wednesday, in which all presenting donors receive his or her choice of a Turkish towel or a mini speaker.

The facility has seen a nearly 30% decrease in donors ages 16-24 and first-time donors since the start of the pandemic four years ago.

Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of donations, but the past few years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide.

Currently, the inventory for O negative and B negative blood types is at just a three-day supply.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice a month. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several donor eligibility restrictions.

To view donation guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 888-8-BLOOD-8.