Nine of ten people will require donated blood during their lifetime. In hospitals, one in ten patients need a transfusion.
As the population of southern Delaware swells with more than 30,000 visitors and summer residents, the dire need for blood also balloons. There are more accidents and life-threatening injuries, particularly sustained in crashes on our highways. Blood Bank of Delmarva, the region’s primary source of blood and blood products for hospitals and EMTs, is gearing up for this crucial season.
They need your help. Donate if you can. Regularly is even better!
Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) has been in Delaware, Maryland and Southeastern Pennsylvania for more than 60 years. It is a nonprofit, community-based organization that serves over 1.5 million people, and 19 regional hospitals.
Not only is Blood Bank of Delmarva the major provider of blood and blood products for our area, but they are now affiliated with the New York Blood Center Enterprises – which has a national reach, and several divisions.
In Sussex County, BBD’s collection center is located in Millsboro, but chances are, you have seen its iconic Bloodmobile at various business and civic locations, which makes it easier for all of us to donate during one of its many drives.
There are many drives taking place across our area. Some are regularly scheduled, such as a monthly drive at the Lewes Senior Center. Others are sponsored by civic organizations, such as the upcoming April 30 drive, thanks to the Zwaanendael Women’s Club and its Health and Wellness Community.
And some drives are organized by volunteers in honor of patients who have needed lifesaving blood transfusions. For example, a Maryland family regularly organizes a blood drive in honor of a four-year old boy, whose cancer was eventually cured – partly because of the lifesaving donated blood he needed during treatment.
Many of you reading this have heroically donated before. Blood Bank of Delaware still needs you, so please consider paying it forward this spring and summer to help neighbors and visitors in need.
Here are some basics about the process:
- A donation usually takes about 45 – 60 minutes, mostly filling out forms and resting afterwards. Refreshments are provided.
- Here’s a link to medication restrictions. Check before you schedule a donation.
- Also be sure to check restrictions, and eligibility requirements.
- All donor blood is screened for transmissible diseases. It can be separated into different components.
- You can donate whole blood every 8 weeks.
- The volume of blood you donate (usually a pint) is replenished within 24 hours. Most humans have 8-12 pints in their body.
- Blood is perishable. Whole blood is stored for 42 days, platelets for 5, and plasma is frozen.
- You will be asked a few questions about your ethnicity. This is not for statistical information. It is to make the best transfusion match between your blood and the patient in need.
Here are some resources to search:
- Find and sign up for an upcoming local blood drive in Delaware
Be a hero. Donate.
By Bridget FitzPatrick
