Movies at Midway to host blood drive Jan. 20

In observance of National Blood Donor Month, the Blood Bank of Delmarva and Movies at Midway will make it easier for local residents to donate blood, with a drive set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, at 18585 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach.

All presenting donors get a free movie ticket.

Theater Manager Brooke Lowe is working with Ralph Groves, BBD account manager, to fill up at least 40 appointments for this blood drive.

“Movies at Midway is part of the community, and we wanted to help out the Blood Bank of Delmarva during a difficult collection time, namely winter,” Lowe said. “We’re happy to provide a venue to BBD and make it convenient for local residents of Rehoboth Beach and vicinity to donate blood. Plus, you get a free movie ticket for your time.”

More than 50 years ago, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month. The annual observance is meant to honor voluntary blood donors and encourage more people to give blood at a time when blood donations can drop. BBD and local leaders are encouraging state residents to donate once per season to avoid chronic shortages in the future.

It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients; accident, burn, or trauma victims; newborn babies and their mothers; transplant recipients; surgery patients; chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia; and many more. 

To sign up, go to donate.bbd.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/9627 or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.