Blood Bank to give festive T-shirts to donors thru Nov. 30

During Thanksgiving week, Blood Bank of Delmarva is encouraging blood donations by providing festive long-sleeve T-shirts to every presenting donor from Sunday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 30, at any of Delmarva’s donor centers and mobile blood drives, while supplies last.

The holiday season is historically challenging for the blood supply, as school breaks, travel and seasonal illness often keep regular donors from giving. Last year, the Blood Bank saw nearly a 35% drop in blood donations during the week of Thanksgiving alone.

Although the local blood supply is starting to stabilize, it hasn’t fully recovered after an unexpectedly slow fall, which is typically one of the strongest periods for donations. With Thanksgiving approaching and another anticipated holiday-week decline, BBD is urging donors to give both before and after the holiday to help rebuild inventory.

The region currently has about a four-day supply of blood, below the ideal seven-day level. Type O, the universal blood type relied on in emergencies, has only a three-day supply. Donors of all blood types are needed to ensure hospitals are well prepared for the coming winter months.

“November is typically when we look to build our inventory before the holiday season ramps up,” said Kristin Frederick, BBD interim vice president for regional operations. “We’re encouraging everyone, especially first-time donors, to make blood donation part of their Thanksgiving tradition. It’s a simple, powerful way to give back, and as a small thank-you, we’re sending donors home with a festive BBD T-shirt.”

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted some eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines and make an appointment, go to delmarvablood.org and click on donate blood or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.