Blood Bank seeks donors after bus crash

In the wake of Sunday's bus crash that left 48 people injured, the Blood Bank of Delmarva is appealing to the public for blood and platelet donations to replenish the supply used to treat accident victims.

"Typically, we require 350 donors every day to meet the needs of hospitals in the Delmarva region," said Mary Konwinski, the Blood Bank's manager of community relations. "The blood products are need there ahead of time so that we are not scrambling."

Normally the nonprofit ghas three days worth of blood and platelets in storage. Following the accident, the bank's supplies were depleted to about a day's worth.

Konwinski said an outpouring of donors have been prompted to call following Monday's announcement.

"It's so sad that this horrible accident had to happen, but it raises awareness," she said. "It's our job to make sure it's there because every day hospitals have different expectations."

Especially needed is universal type O negative blood and type AB platelet donors.

"Type O Negative is always is high demand in our local hospitals," said Michael Waite, the agency's director of marketing. "It can be safely transfused to any patient in a trauma or emergency situation."

"While O negative blood and AB platelets are our most immediate need, all types are welcome and will help us replenish our local supplies," he said.

Anyone who can donate is urged to schedule an appointment, Waite said. Walk-in donors are also encouraged and will be accommodated.

Blood Bank of Delmarva has four fixed donor locations: 913 N. Market St. in Wilmington, 100 Hygeia Drive in Stanton, 221 Saulsbury Road in Dover and 1309 Mt. Hermon Drive in Salisbury, Maryland – as well as more than 30 regularly scheduled mobile locations.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org, call (888) 8-BLOOD-8 or download the free app for iPhone or Android devices.

Contact Terri Sanginiti at (302) 324-2771 or tsanginiti@delawareonline.com