The Blood Bank of Delmarva will hold a summer blood drive Thursday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish Church Hall, located at 371 East Main St.
According to the Blood Bank of Delmarva’s Web site, the BBD, a non-profit community service program, provides blood and blood products to the 17 hospitals on the Delmarva Peninsula. Nearly 83,000 blood donations are needed in this area each year for more than 20,000 patients across the Delmarva Peninsula.
St. Josephs hosted the first two BBD blood drives last summer and in December 2008.
Carrie Aiken, public information officer, from the BBD, said they would like to continue sponsor an annual blood drive in Middletown.
“This time last year was the first time we were in the town,” Aiken said. “We considered the area with how fast the area was growing and there continues to be a need for blood.”
Throughout the year, the BBD sponsors blood drives all over Delaware and on eastern shore of Maryland. According to the BBD, they are the main source of blood donations in the area.
Aiken said it is important to introduce and get the community involved in something that goes to a good cause.
She said the BBD will continue to hold a drive in the area and would not be opposed to holding a blood drive more than twice a year.
“It’s always a consideration,” she said. “The first two [blood drives] were pretty successful. We’ll see how these drives do in Middletown. It’s definitely on the table.”
All eligible donors must be 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, provide a photo ID or two other forms of ID and be in general good health: no fever, sore throat, flu-like symptoms or active cold symptoms – congestion, coughing, wheezing, no diarrhea with fever – there is a one-month waiting period from last date of symptoms, no recent major surgery, no history of hepatitis, convulsions, heart disease or cancer, and no tattoos or body piercings in the last 12 months.
Call ahead to secure a donation time. Walk-ins will be welcome, but a scheduled appointment is preferred.
For more information about the Blood Bank of Delmarva or to schedule a donation or to join the Blood Bank of Delmarva, call (888) 8-BLOOD-8 or fill out an application at delmarvablood.org.
Middletown, Del. —
