REGION'S LARGEST 2-DAY BLOOD DRIVE RETURNS TO OCEAN CITY FEBRUARY 8 & 9
700 registered blood donors expected at 13th Annual Beach Blanket Blood Drive
Ocean City, MD - Hundreds of blood donors are expected to brave the winter temperatures along the coast and descend on the Ocean City Convention Center (40th Street and Coastal Highway) for the 13th Annual Beach Blanket Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 8 from 10am - 6pm and on Wednesday, February 9 from 9am - 5pm. The drive was established in 1999 to promote blood donation in the winter, a time when blood supplies typically dip as donors are kept away by colds and flu, bad weather and vacations. The Beach Blanket Blood Drive helps avoid blood shortages that affect other parts of the country.
"When this event was created, it was meant to be a fun way to draw attention to a serious challenge - filling blood donation schedules in the winter," said Roy Roper, Blood Bank president and CEO. "It remains that way today. This is a much-anticipated event, and many donors come back year after year. But despite the fun, it fills a seasonal void and hundreds of donors at the blood drive help save hundreds of lives."
The Blood Bank is aiming for 700 registered blood donors at the 2-day event, a goal that the organization exceeded last year for the first time in the event's history with 784 donors. Donors will receive a free t-shirt and the great feeling of having helped up to three hospital patients with a portion of their blood. The canteen will feature cookies, candy, donuts and snacks provided by Ocean City restaurants.
To make an appointment to give blood at this drive, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or click HERE. Walk-ins will be taken as time allows.
