Tony Prado, Communications Manager of the Blood Bank of Delmarva returned with an urgent plea for donors, the supply is dangerously low to stock the 19 area hospitals depending on the blood bank. He notes that this is a nationwide issue and that they cannot rely on partners such as the American Red Cross to be able to meets their needs. Tony explains that cancer patients, accident victims and people with chronic disorders such as Sickle Cell demand a regular supply and between the COVID pandemic with shuttered schools and businesses and the usual holiday time squeeze, they are losing both individual and blood drive donations. He also stressed the need for younger volunteers to make it a habit to give and to get more ethnic community donations, a diverse donor base is key to having the matching blood supply for all patients. We discussed the ease of donating – one hour or so with only 8 to 10 minutes actually giving blood, and how easy it is the find a donation site through their website. To donate, or for information about eligibility and donor locations, go to DelmarvaBlood.org or call 888-8-BLOOD-8
