The Blood Bank of Delmarva is issuing an urgent call for blood donors.
Spokesperson Michael Waite says the greatest need is for O Negative blood. The universal blood type can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in great demand and often in short supply.
Nearly 79,000 blood donations are needed each year for patients across the Delmarva Peninsula.
Red blood cells, used for traumas, have a 42-day shelf life. Platelets, the clotting element in the blood that is used for cancer and leukemia patients, have a shelf life of 5 days.
Blood Bank of Delmarva has three local donor centers, located in Wilmington, Newark, and Dover.
The facilities have appointment hours available weekdays, evenings and Saturdays. Appointments are encouraged, but due to the current need, walk-ins are welcome.
To schedule an appointment, visit Delmarvablood.org or call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.