Blood Bank of Delmarva seeks healthy donors

As Delmarva begins to slowly reopen and hospitals anticipate the return of elective surgeries, Blood Bank of Delmarva is issuing an urgent call for healthy blood donors.

The need for red blood cells has rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels, but the blood supply is dangerously low.

In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. Right now, reserves are far below that minimum. For instance, O positive red blood cells are at a 2.8-day inventory level.

Before COVID-19, mobile blood drives hosted by schools, organizations and businesses made up around 40 percent of the region’s incoming blood supply, but all drives had to be canceled during the past several months. The blood bank will begin holding a limited number of mobile blood drives each week, but they are far from the 50 drives per month that would be required to meet the growing need at area hospitals. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at a one of these mobile drives or one of the blood bank’s three donor centers in Delaware and Maryland. Walk-ins will be allowed when space permits.

“The blood supply is a critical part of our healthcare system. It is imperative for healthy individuals to come in and donate blood so that it’s available to those in need,” said Christopher Hillyer, MD, Blood Bank of Delmarva president and CEO. “At this unprecedented time, this is one thing you can do to help someone who desperately needs it. We have extended hours at our donor centers and we’re encouraging donors to schedule an appointment to visit one of these controlled, safe environments.”

Donating blood is safe and it only takes one hour. Extra precautions are being taken to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. Blood bank staff are also practicing health self-assessments prior to presenting at work. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms. 

To schedule appointments, call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or go to www.delmarvablood.org.