The 27th annual Ocean City Blood Drive held on Tuesday, January 27 and Wednesday, January 28 helped Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) bounce back from a drop in collections due to last weekend’s snowstorm with 260 units collected on day one and another 150 appointments made on day two.
This drive, traditionally BBD’s largest, took place at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center overlooking Ocean City, Maryland’s scenic Assawoman Bay.
Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan presented BBD Vice President of Operations Kristin Frederick with a proclamation recognizing the final week of National Blood Donor Month and the Ocean City Blood Drive’s significant impact to the local blood inventory.
“The Ocean City Blood Drive, in its 27th year, is the biggest blood drive held by Blood Bank of Delmarva held annually, making it the most important blood drive of the winter months,” said Mayor Meehan, reading from the Proclamation. “Now, therefore, I, Richard W. Meehan, do hereby declare the month of January as National Blood Donor Month in Ocean City.”
January, which was proclaimed National Blood Donor Month by President Richard Nixon in 1970, is historically one of the most challenging months for the blood supply. Holiday travel, school breaks, winter weather, and seasonal illness often prevent donors from keeping appointments, even as patient needs remain constant. The annual observance serves as an important reminder of the lifesaving impact of routine blood donation nationwide.
As an example, the Ocean City Blood Drive came on the heels of this winter’s biggest snowstorm, which closed or delayed donor center openings on Monday, January 26.
In addition to much-needed blood donations, Ocean City Lions Club officers Bill Christmas and Jeff Facello presented a $500 financial donation to BBD, per tradition. Vice President Frederick accepted the check.
“Ocean City will allow us to finish the month of January strong, and the number of donors who have come out will allow us to fill local hospital orders,” she said. “Last weekend’s snowstorm is a perfect example of why we remind our wonderful community to come and donate, because the need for blood does not go away because of winter weather.”
This blood drive was made possible in part by the Town of Ocean City, Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Knight of Columbus Council # 9503, the Ocean City Lions Club, and the Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Special thanks to The Dough Roller for providing lunch to BBD staff!
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
View additional photos of the two-day Ocean City Blood Drive.
