Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) has declared a blood emergency and is asking people across the state to donate blood to help replenish the blood supply. To support this effort, the Chester River Health Foundation will hold a blood drive on Friday, August 17, 2018, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. To schedule an appointment, visit BBD’s online donor portal and enter Sponsor Code: UMCC; or 1-888-825-6638. You may also download the scheduling app on your Android or iPhone.
According to BBD, at least 350 donations per day are needed to adequately supply all hospitals on the Delmarva Peninsula. In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. During the summer months, low levels are particularly dangerous as people are less likely to donate blood due to vacations. At present, reserves are below the minimum and there are particular shortages in the supplies of A (positive and negative) and O (positive and negative).
To be a blood donor, you must be between the ages of 17 and 79 and have a photo ID with proof of birth date; you also must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Please note that if you had a tattoo, body piercing, or branding within the past 12 months, you may not give blood. (Ear piercing conducted by a reputable technician using an ear piercing gun is acceptable.)
If you have traveled outside of the U.S., please bring a list of any countries you have visited including where, when, and how long you were there. (For more information on donor travel guidelines, visit http://www.delmarvablood.org/locations/donor-travel-guidelines/.)
For more information on giving blood, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org.
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~ UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown