Urgent need for blood donors in Delaware

At a time of the year when supplies are usually rebounding from the summer drought, the Blood Bank of Delmarva has a critical need for donations.

Spokesman Tony Prado said the goal, as always, is to maintain a seven-day inventory of all blood types. Right now, they're not achieving those quantities.

"This is a situation," said Prado. "We want to get people in here, we want to get new donors in here. Our donor base is fantastic but they can't do it all, so we're trying to get some more people to donate blood." 

Prado said among the new donors they seek are minorities, whose donation levels could be stronger.

He added, from start to finish, it takes about an hour to donate.

Find out more about donating and what to expect if it's your first time, at delmarvablood.org.