News and Events

NEWARK, DE - What do employers like the City of Salisbury, Bank of America, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, the News Journal Company, the Delaware State Police, and Amtrak have in common? They, along with more than 100 other businesses and organizations, have signed up to save lives this summer through Blood Bank of Delmarva's 9th annual Summer Blood Challenge (SBC). About 200 employers are expected to join this year's SBC, which is a friendly competition among local employers to recruit the most Blood Bank members and donors during the summer months when fewer people typically give blood. This year's competition runs from May 23 to September 11.

"Although summertime is the most patriotic time of the year - Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day, Flag Day, barbeques, baseball, and apple pie - it is also a time when it can be a challenge filling blood donation schedules," said Roy Roper, Blood Bank President and CEO. "The Blood Bank needs 350 donors every day to keep the red in the red, white and blue and maintain the local blood supply. We hope the SBC's patriotic theme this year will encourage people to incorporate blood donation into their summer traditions."

Participants in the SBC competition earn points by giving blood or becoming a Blood Bank member. Those under the age of 35 will receive two bonus points to encourage involvement among this important age group. Less than 7% of all Blood Bank members are under the age of 35.

By earning points, SBC participants are earning chances to win exciting prizes, like one of two $50 VISA gift cards awarded weekly or one of the "Sea to Shining Sea" Grand Prizes: a $500 VISA gift card, a 3-day trip to New York City, or an Alaskan Cruise.

Last year, 171 employers participated in the SBC, which resulted in 7,150 blood donations and 1,980 new Blood Bank members. For more information on this year's Summer Blood Challenge, visit www.2011sbc.com.