Prolonged January shortages, combined with severe winter weather and widespread seasonal illness, leave blood supply critically low across the Delmarva Peninsula
DELMARVA – Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) has declared a blood emergency as the region’s blood supply remains critically low following a prolonged post-holiday decline in donations that never fully recovered throughout January.
Blood donations fell sharply after the holidays and remained low through January, as winter weather and widespread seasonal illness further strained an already fragile supply. As February begins, BBD is operating with less than a two-day supply of blood for more than 40 hospitals across the Delmarva region, leaving little margin for medical emergencies or increased patient demand.
In recent weeks, donations have remained nearly 30% below what hospitals require, following an exceptionally challenging start to the year driven by:
- Post-holiday disruptions, with Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on historically high collection days, resulting in hundreds of missed donations that have yet to be replaced.
- Sustained seasonal illness throughout January, including flu and other respiratory viruses, which significantly reduced donor availability across the Delmarva Peninsula.
- Severe winter weather, which led to canceled blood drives and disrupted collections.
“Following the largest snow and ice storm in Delmarva since February 2010, the blood supply hasn’t had the chance to recover,” said Kristin Frederick, Vice President of Blood Operations at Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Blood donation is incredibly sensitive to disruption, and when challenges stack up, the impact is immediate. We need donors to act now so hospitals can continue caring for trauma patients, surgical patients, cancer patients, and those with chronic conditions who depend on blood every day.”
January was National Blood Donor Month, a time when blood centers typically aim to rebuild supplies after the holidays. This year, however, the Delmarva region enters February still in crisis, highlighting the urgent need for donors to give now. Because blood has a limited shelf life, even short delays in donation can quickly escalate shortages and put patient care at risk.
To help prevent blood shortages in 2026, BBD encourages donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by making blood donation a routine part of their lives and giving at least once each season in 2026. BBD also offers additional donor frequency programs based on donation type, recognizing those who give consistently throughout the year. Learn more here.
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
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About Blood Bank of Delmarva
Founded in 1954, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) has served the Delmarva Peninsula for 70 years, delivering nearly 90,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 40+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. BBD is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. BBD serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit delmarvablood.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.