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State's blood supply is low ahead of potential snowstorm

A series of local traumas has put pressure on Delaware’s blood supply.

Now, the Blood Bank of Delmarva is putting out an urgent call for donations ahead of the possibility of a major storm this weekend.

“We have to be prepared,” says the nonprofit’s spokesperson Michael Waite. “It's the blood up on the shelves of the hospitals that save the lives of patients all across the peninsula and are our biggest concern is that people can’t get to us to come donate. We have to make sure that the supply is healthy enough to be able to withstand a couple of days of bad weather.”

Waite says it takes an average of 350 donors a day to supply the blood and blood products that local hospitals need to treat their patients.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days as long as an individual is at least 17 years of age, weighs at least 110 pounds and is in generally good health.

Over 35% of the US population is eligible to give blood, but only 5% actually do.

Waite is hoping National Blood Donor Month in January will oblige more people to donate. To find a list of places where you can give,visit delmarvablooddotorg.

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