BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA HELPS IN WAKE OF HURRICANE IKE
NEWARK, DE - Delmarva residents Wednesday are helping victims of Hurricane Ike with blood sent to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston. The shipment from Blood Bank of Delmarva included 80 units of O-Positive blood, 20 units of O-Negative, and 15 units of B-Negative.
The shipment was coordinated through America's Blood Centers (ABC), the nation's largest network of non-profit, community blood centers. ABC put out an alert asking for surplus inventory from blood banks across the country. After Blood Bank of Delmarva met local hospital needs, the organization was able to release surplus supplies in 3 blood types.
"Mother Nature can suddenly shut down any blood center in the country and put patients at risk," said Bob Travis, President and CEO of Blood Bank of Delmarva. "We are proud to be an organization that helps others in a time of need, and we're proud of our blood donors who make it possible."
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and a few other blood centers affected by Hurricane Ike stocked their hospitals prior to the storm, so their supply levels are adequate. But due to lost collections and cancelled blood drives, support will be needed from outside the area for up to 3 weeks until their collections fully resume.
