Blood Bank issues urgent call for donors ahead of July 4 holiday

The approaching July 4 holiday is straining the nation's blood supply, and the Blood Bank of Delmarva is issuing a call for blood and platelet donors.

The O negative blood type is in highest demand, the Blood Bank of Delmarva said in a news release Thursday, June 29.

"… The need for blood never takes a holiday," and the level of need is most critical on the East Coast, the agency said.

Donors with appointments are urged to keep them, and others are encouraged to make a blood donation before setting out to celebrate the holiday, the agency said.

 "Our greatest need is always for O Negative, the universal blood type, but patients in our community need all blood types," said Michael Waite, director of marketing and community relations for Blood Bank of Delmarva. "Last year at this time, there was a critical nationwide shortage of blood and many blood centers along the east coast are currently issuing an emergency appeal.

"This year, we're doing all we can to alleviate a similar situation," Waite also said.

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Donor centers are open during normal business hours, and while appointments are suggested, walk-ins are also welcome, the agency said.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org online, or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8. A Blood Bank of Delmarva mobile app also is available.

These are donor centers across the Delmarva Peninsula:

Salisbury Donor Center
1309 Mt. Hermon Road
Salisbury, MD 21804

Christiana Donor Center

100 Hygeia Drive
Newark, DE 19713

Dover Donor Center
221 Saulsbury Road
Dover, DE 19904

On Twitter@DeborahGates