SALISBURY, Md.- As many people return to pre-pandemic lifestyles, hospitals and blood banks are facing a new issue; a desperate need for blood.
The American Red Cross says that the national blood supply is extremely low, which is taking on a toll on many local blood banks.
Nearly two weeks ago, the Blood Bank of Delmarva in Salisbury declared a blood emergency. Officials say they usually get 70,000 donors each year.
However, they recently dropped down to 65,000 and are in need of rare blood types.
"As a whole, the Delmarva residents have been stepping up. So some of our other blood types like A positive and A negative are in good shape," said Blood Bank of Delmarva spokesperson Tony Prado.
"But those key blood types that are really popular with the hospitals, type O, we still have got our work cut out for us," Prado said.
There was also a shortage last year when blood donation center were closed because of COVID-19. However, one volunteer at the Delmarva's blood bank says the demand for blood is nothing new.
"There's always a shortage every day, so don't think that we don't need you," Prado said. "We need everybody who's capable and willing to donate blood."
In order to gain more donors, the Blood Drive of Delmarva is partnering with local breweries to host blood drives. Donors can receive coupons at participating breweries.
You can schedule your appointment at these local breweries:
Revelation Brewing in Milton, DE (June 18 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Crooked Hammock Brewery Lewes in Lewes, DE ( July 12 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Big Oyster Brewery in Lewes, DE (July 26 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Tall Tales Brewing Company in Parsonsburg, MD (Date coming soon)
Dogfish Head in Milton, DE (Date coming soon)
