BBD partners with Beebe, Bayhealth as chronic shortages threaten healthcare system and potential second wave looms

On Monday, Nov. 16, local hospitals call for blood donations amid pandemic

Beebe Healthcare and Bayhealth are joining forces with Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) to increase blood donations at donor centers. We are asking students and all donors to make appointments at the Dover Donor Center and the Salisbury Donor Center to make up for the lack of school and other blood drives adversely affected by the pandemic.

Delmarva’s healthcare system requires 350 donations each day to treat patients ranging from trauma victims to newborn babies and their mothers to cancer patients. Prior to the pandemic, donors could stop by community blood drives at convenient locations in Kent and Sussex counties, but nearly all high schools, colleges, offices and other community groups have had to cancel their blood drives due to COVID-19. Mobile donations are at just 43% of pre-pandemic levels, but donor centers have expanded hours in response.

On Monday, Nov. 16, BBD will hold a press conference at Beebe Healthcare’s Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus announcing the initiative and calling for more donations at this critical time. Representatives from Beebe and Blood Bank of Delmarva will be on hand, and Bayhealth will provide a statement as well.

WHO: Blood Bank of Delmarva Donor Services Technical Operations Director Rachele Allison, Director of Donor Recruitment Marie Forrestal, Manager Product Services Megan Johnson, Account Manager Ralph Groves

David A. Tam, MD, MBA, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare; Kelly Abbrescia, DO, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Bayhealth

WHEN: Monday, November 16th at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Beebe Healthcare Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, 424 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958. The press conference will be held in front of the Shaw Building, which faces Savannah Rd. Please park on the gravel lot on the West entrance of the campus.

REMINDER: For everyone’s safety, masks that cover both the nose and mouth must be worn by everyone while on campus, and social distancing must be maintained.