Blood donors challenged to encourage friends and family to donate
Blood Bank of Delmarva and “The Dr. Oz Show” launched the #JustMyType Challenge Nov. 15 with the goal of increasing blood donations by asking donors to invite someone to be their “plus one” as they donate together.
There has been a chronic nationwide blood shortage throughout the pandemic, and the show is helping BBD, a division of New York Blood Center Enterprises, get the word out and encourage more people to donate blood.
Before COVID-19, mobile blood drives hosted by high schools, colleges, businesses and other organizations traditionally made up about 40 percent of the region’s incoming blood supply, but the number of blood drives had dropped by two-thirds. Although schools and other organizations have been holding blood drives again, Blood Bank of Delmarva cannot collect units at optimum levels due to the national labor shortage.
Hospital needs are well above pre-pandemic levels while donations continue to lag behind and never reach the ideal level of a 7-day supply. BBD is in need of all blood types and encourages first-time donors to sign up for an appointment.
“Thank you to ‘The Dr. Oz Show’ for your support. Donating blood can be an incredible way to unite communities, and the #JustMyType Challenge is just what we need to inspire donors to get more people to make a lifesaving donation,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive, donor recruitment and marketing at Blood Bank of Delmarva and NYBCE. “The holiday season is always a difficult time to get donors into our centers as folks leave town and go on vacation, but we need to focus on what this time is about: giving. Make a donation today.”
Donating blood is safe, and the Blood Bank of Delmarva has taken extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms. To learn more or schedule appointments, call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or go to delmarvablood.org.
