Blood supply falls below critical levels, with less than a two-day inventory overall and type O blood under a one-day supply
BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA DECLARES BLOOD EMERGENCY AS SUMMER TRAUMA SEASON BEGINS
Blood supply falls below critical levels, with less than a two-day inventory overall and type O blood under a one-day supply
DELMARVA — Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) has declared a blood emergency as supplies drop to less than a two-day supply overall and under one day for Type O blood, the most critical blood type used in emergency care. The shortage comes as summer’s “trauma season” begins, when hospitals typically see a rise in serious injuries, including car crashes and other emergencies requiring large volumes of blood.
The emergency follows a 10% decline in blood donations, leaving collections nearly 400 units short of what is needed to meet hospital demand.
“Summer is one of the most challenging times to maintain the blood supply,” said Kristin Frederick, Vice President of Operations at Blood Bank of Delmarva. “We’re seeing donations decline just as hospital demand rises. When supplies fall this low, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure blood is available for patients who need it most.”
A blood emergency means the available supply has dropped below the levels needed to meet routine and urgent patient needs. Unlike other medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, meaning hospitals rely on a steady stream of donors to meet daily demand. For trauma centers, where patients may require large volumes of blood within minutes, maintaining an adequate supply is critical.
At hospitals like Beebe Healthcare, clinicians see firsthand how quickly blood is needed in life-threatening situations.
“In trauma care, seconds matter, and so does access to blood,” said Paul Cowan, D.O., F.A.E.C.P., of Beebe’s Emergency Departments and Sussex County EMS Medical Director. “A single patient experiencing severe injuries from a car crash or other trauma can require dozens of units of blood, including prehospital blood administered by paramedics or blood transfused at the hospital. When the supply is this low, it puts added pressure on care teams and underscores just how essential blood donors are to saving lives.”
Stories like local blood recipient Peyton Harter’s underscore how quickly blood is needed in traumatic emergencies. After a devastating accident with a school bus left her critically injured, Peyton received lifesaving blood before arriving at the hospital.
“The most terrifying day of my life could have been so much worse without the pre-hospital blood program and the people who took the time to give such a precious gift,” said Amy Harter, Peyton’s mother. “Without the heroes who donated blood, my daughter’s outcome could have been very different. I urge you to be someone’s hero and donate blood. A little bit of your time could mean a lifetime for someone else.”
Dr. Cowan added, “Bringing whole blood to the field is the most transformative advancement in trauma care in Sussex County since the inception of the EMS system in 1991. The ability to deliver blood directly to critically injured patients before they reach the hospital can mean the difference between life and death. During the summer months, the demand for blood increases significantly. Blood donation is the first and most vital link in this chain of survival.”
Blood Bank of Delmarva is asking all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an immediate appointment to donate. Following 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 or to make an appointment, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
FOR MEDIA: Interviews are available with Blood Bank of Delmarva representatives and Beebe Healthcare experts. Media can also go behind the scenes at Blood Bank of Delmarva’s labs by request. Please contact Tony Prado at [email protected] or 302-657-1756.
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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.