BBD is encouraging local residents to give back in the spirit of the holiday and make a blood donation
DELAWARE – This Thanksgiving, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is giving thanks to blood donors by providing long sleeve t-shirts to every presenting donor at all donor centers. In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, this promotion will be available from Sunday, November 19th to Sunday November 26th.
The holiday season is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks, family vacations and holiday travel all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority. Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the past two years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide. BBD has seen a significant decrease in youth donors since pre-pandemic. Collections are closed on Thursday, November 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, and BBD leaders wish to make up for the deficit the rest of the coming week.
“We are thankful for our blood donors every day, but we’re especially grateful for those who take the time to make the selfless act of donating blood during the busy holiday season,” said Blood Bank of Delmarva Executive Director Steve Corse. “This month, we are asking all eligible blood donors to celebrate the season of giving by giving the gift of life for their neighbors in need. We’ll even throw in a free festive long sleeve T-shirt if you donate at one of our donor centers!”
Whole blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit delmarvablood.org.