Blood drive set June 14 at Beebe Tunnell Center

To mark World Blood Donor Day, Blood Bank of Delmarva will hold a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 14, at Beebe Tunnell Cancer Center, in the mobile unit at the far left side of the parking lot at 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach. To sign up, go to donate.bbd.org.

The annual celebration is an opportunity for blood centers across the world to thank donors for their lifesaving donations and honor their profound impact on patients. Blood donations cannot be manufactured, which means the nation’s blood supply and patients’ access to safe blood transfusion depends on the selfless generosity of blood donors.

World Blood Donor Day comes at a critical time, as the summer months are typically challenging for blood collection. Hospitals typically see a spike in trauma cases during the summer months, which can put a strain on the blood supply. Also, school breaks, increased travel and busy summer schedules often make blood donation less of a priority.

Steven Corse, Blood Bank of Delmarva executive director, said, “As we enter the summer months, we face a critical need for blood donations and urge everyone in our community to donate and support this lifesaving cause.”