Blood Bank of Delmarva declares blood emergency as donations struggle to rebound

NEWARK, Del. (WPVI) -- Blood Bank of Delmarva has declared a blood emergency as the region's blood supply remains critically low.

The organization says blood donations fell sharply after the holidays and remained low through January.

Winter weather and widespread seasonal illness led to canceled blood drives and disrupted collections, further straining an already fragile supply.

It is currently operating with less than a two-day supply of blood for more than 40 hospitals across the Delmarva region.

In recent weeks, donations have remained nearly 30% below what hospitals require.

"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."