News and Events

Top lifesaving employers in Summer Blood Challenge to be honored in September ceremonies

Newark, DE - A record number of businesses and organizations signed on to save lives in the 8th Annual Summer Blood Challenge (SBC), and they provided more blood donations than ever before. Their efforts saved the lives of up to 21,000 local patients this summer.

The SBC, which started on May 24, is a competition among employers to recruit the most Blood Bank members and donors during the summer. It helps raise awareness of the need for blood at a time when vacations and outdoor activities often contribute to shortages in many areas of the country.

This year, there were 171 local employers participating in the SBC, which resulted in 7,150 blood donations and 1,980 new Blood Bank members. That's a blood donation increase of 17% over last year's competition. Each pint of donated blood could save up to three lives.

"We are so appreciative of the thousands of people who took time out of their busy schedules to donate blood," said Robert L. Travis, President and CEO of Blood Bank of Delmarva. "Blood usage is high during the summer and auto accidents are one of the biggest reasons. With the support we received, we avoided critical shortages that affected many areas of the country."

Recognizing the Top Lifesaving Employers on Delmarva
The top lifesaving employers in the SBC will be recognized at separate Awards Parties in Newark, DE and Salisbury, MD.

The Newark event will take place on Tuesday, September 21 from 6pm to 8pm at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana (100 Continental Drive). Rebecca Crosen, former Mrs. Delaware International, will be the featured speaker. Rebecca was diagnosed with a near-fatal case of anemia several years ago and has needed emergency blood transfusions over the years to balance her severe iron deficiency. Michael Waite of WJBR will be the Awards Party emcee.

The Salisbury event will be on Wednesday, September 22 from 12pm to 1:30pm at The Fountains Wedding & Conference Center (1800 Sweetbay Drive).

In addition to recognizing the participating SBC employers and top blood donors, four participants were randomly selected as finalists in the Grand Prize Giveaway and invited to the awards parties to find out what they won. Prizes include a Fusion Fitness Gift Pack, a $500 VISA gift card, a 4-day trip for two to Las Vegas and an all-inclusive week vacation for two to a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico.

September's National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Shows Need for Diverse Blood Donors

DOVER, DE - Christopher and April Hall of Dover say their family of ten "knows and lives the importance of blood donations."

Three of their eight children have sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that disfigures red cells and makes it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels. In order to avoid life-threatening complications, two of their children have needed regular blood transfusions. Their 5-year-old son, Christopher, still goes to the hospital every month to receive blood.

"Christopher and my 3-year-old daughter, Zondra, proactively received blood transfusions to avoid serious problems," said April. "The red cells they received helped carry oxygen to every part of their bodies. Blood donors are keeping my children healthy, and I am very grateful."

Patients with sickle cell disease must receive blood that is closely matched to their own. The closest match for African American patients often comes from African-American donors. Most people who have the sickle cell trait do qualify as blood donors, since the genetic disease cannot be passed by blood transfusion.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH

September has been recognized as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month since 1975. Sickle cell disease affects about 70,000 Americans. About 90% are of African descent.

For more information about sickle cell disease, log on to www.sicklecelldisease.org. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or visit www.delmarvablood.org.