WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — The Blood Bank of Delmarva is urging the community to help replenish critical blood supplies, especially of O negative and O positive blood types. These are in high demand, though the organization is asking for donations of all blood types as they prepare for the busy holiday season, which often sees an increase in accidents and medical emergencies.

Tony Prado, communication specialist for the Blood Bank of Delmarva, said, “November is coming up rapidly, and during what we call the Thanksgiving critical time period, we’ll be giving out long-sleeve Thanksgiving T-shirts as an incentive to encourage people to donate, especially during a busy time of year.”

The blood bank encourages potential donors to take it easy for 24 hours after donating. Additionally, with Giving Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Prado suggested that people consider donating blood as a way to help combat the drop in blood donations during the holiday season.