News and Events

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

Continue reading "PARENTS OF THREE SIBLINGS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE SPEAK OUT ABOUT IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD DONATIONS" »

DOVER, Del. - Every year, thousands of Americans gather at Ground Zero in New York City to pay tribute to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Others observe the day with memorials, prayers and moments of silence. But what better way is there to honor the victims of September 11 than by saving the lives of those in need today?

On Friday, September 10, Dover International Speedway is hosting a 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. About 75 donors will be giving a pint of blood at this event, and each pint can save up to three lives.

Continue reading "DONORS COMMEMORATE 9/11 BY GIVING BLOOD IN SPECIAL MEMORIAL DRIVE ON SEPTEMBER 10" »

After biking 3,847 miles from California to New Hampshire, Larry Frederick stops by Blood Bank of Delmarva on drive back home

Continue reading "BLOOD RECIPIENT PEDALS CROSS-COUNTRY TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT NEED FOR BLOOD" »

With just a couple months until Wilmington police recruits graduate from the police academy, they are already coming together to save lives. Many have signed up to give blood as a group on June 18 at the downtown Wilmington Donor Center for the Summer Blood Challenge (SBC).

The SBC is a competition among 170 local employers, including the City of Wilmington, to recruit the most blood donors and Blood Bank members during the summer months when typically fewer people give blood. The competition helps avoid blood shortages that hit other areas of the country.

Continue reading "WILMINGTON POLICE RECRUITS PARTICIPATE IN SUMMER COMPETITION TO SAVE LIVES" »

NEWARK, DE - Students on Delmarva reached a new milestone this school year - and it's one for the record books.

Seventy-eight high schools and colleges across the Peninsula held more blood drives this past school year than ever before, resulting in a record number of blood donations. A total of 7,539 blood donations were collected at 125 school blood drives from September 2008 to May 2009 - up nearly 10% from 6,909 donations the previous school year.

The record-breaking School Blood Drive Program is even more noteworthy because of the weather challenges presented this past winter. Back-to-back major snowstorms forced Blood Bank of Delmarva to close donation locations for three days, and many school blood drives were cancelled. All of those blood drives were rescheduled and those donations were recovered thanks to the flexibility and dedication of local schools and students.

Continue reading "SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE PROGRAM SETS RECORDS DESPITE HARSH WINTER SEASON" »

NEWARK, DE - Blood Bank of Delmarva will join blood centers around the globe to observe World Blood Donor Day on June 14. The annual event, hosted in Barcelona, Spain this year, highlights the role blood donors play in saving the lives and improving the health of millions each year.

While it is hoped that World Blood Donor Day will create wider awareness of the importance of blood donation and encourage more people to become regular blood donors, the purpose is not to attract a big influx of new donors on June 14. Rather, it is an opportunity to express gratitude to those who donate their blood in order to save lives, without expecting anything in return.

Continue reading "BLOOD CENTERS AROUND THE GLOBE CELEBRATE WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY ON JUNE 14" »

Summer Blood Challenge boosts blood donations during critical summer months

Continue reading "LOCAL COMPANIES BAND TOGETHER TO SAVE LIVES THIS SUMMER" »

SALISBURY, MD - Blood Bank of Delmarva is pleased to announce that Michael Franklin, President and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, has been elected Chair of its Southern Delmarva Regional Board. William Robinson, marketing specialist for the McCready Foundation in Crisfield, has been elected Vice-Chair. Members of this board, along with the Northern and Mid-Delmarva Regional Boards, work in their communities to increase awareness about the need for blood and to encourage people to join and support the Blood Bank.

Continue reading "Michael Franklin Elected Chair of Southern Delmarva Regional Board" »

Donors are able to help up to four patients with one plasma donation

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA LAUNCHES NEW LIFESAVING DONATION PROCESS IN DOVER" »

Wilmington, DE - Eileen Dalton of Wilmington is a mother and cancer survivor. Her new foundation, "Give Blood for your Mother," is partnering with Blood Bank of Delmarva to encourage people to give blood in honor of their mom this Mother's Day. All blood donors who come in to donate at a Blood Bank of Delmarva site through Mother's Day will get a nice card to give their mom sharing their good deed (view card).

"My three sons asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day last year, and I told them to skip the potted plant and give blood instead," said Dalton. "They did and I was really touched, not only because I've given blood over the years, but because blood donors helped save my life."

PICTURED: Eileen's three sons

PICTURED: Eileen (front right) with her husband, three sons, and daughter-in-law.

Continue reading "LOCAL MOM AND CANCER SURVIVOR ENCOURAGES BLOOD DONATION AS MOTHER'S DAY GIFT" »

Recognition ceremony to honor St. Mark's for hosting region's first high school blood drive in 1985

Continue reading "Blood Drive at St. Mark's High School on April 15 Marks 25th Anniversary of High School Blood Drive Program" »

Need the perfect Mother's Day gift? To honor your mom, give blood and save a life!

Eileen Dalton of Wilmington is a mother and cancer survivor. Her new foundation, "Give Blood for your Mother," is partnering with Blood Bank of Delmarva to encourage people to give blood in honor of their mom this Mother's Day. All blood donors who come in to donate for their mom at a Blood Bank of Delmarva site through Mother's Day will get a nice card to give her sharing their good deed.

Click on the card to enlarge the image

"My three sons asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day last year, and I told them to skip the potted plant, give blood instead," said Dalton. "They did and I was really touched, not only because I've given blood over the years, but because blood donors helped save my life."

Continue reading "LOCAL MOM ENCOURAGES BLOOD DONATION AS MOTHER'S DAY GIFT" »

SALISBURY, MD - It's no secret that blood donors love the canteen cookies. And the cookie selection in Salisbury is about to get a little sweeter.

The Girl Scout Service Unit 97 from the Girl Scouts Chesapeake Bay Council will be delivering 600 boxes of cookies to the Blood Bank's Salisbury Donor Center (1309 Mt. Hermon Road) on Tuesday, April 13 at 4:30pm.

Continue reading "Girl Scouts in Salisbury Donate 600 Boxes of Cookies to Blood Bank Canteens" »

Event is at least twice the size of every other high school blood drive in the program

New Castle, DE - On Tuesday, April 6, students and staff from William Penn High School in New Castle hope to break yet another record - by holding the largest one-day high school blood drive on the Delmarva Peninsula for the fourth year in a row. This blood drive was originally scheduled for February 25 but was postponed due to a major snow storm.

Continue reading "William Penn Students Attempt Largest High School Blood Drive on Delmarva" »

Newark, DE - Kelly Howard has been hired as the school and community blood drive coordinator for Blood Bank of Delmarva.

In addition to scheduling community blood drives, Howard will oversee the School Blood Drive Program, working directly with high schools and colleges in New Castle and Cecil Counties to increase participation in the program. Prior to the Blood Bank, Howard worked at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and has fifteen years experience in membership services and event planning.

Continue reading "KELLY HOWARD NAMED SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE COORDINATOR FOR BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA" »

Easton, MD - Grace VandeVisser has been hired as a marketing account executive for Blood Bank of Delmarva.

VandeVisser will be responsible for working with corporate sponsors and other organizations to recruit blood donors and new Blood Bank members in Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Queen Anne's Counties. She will also coordinate the school blood drives in those counties. Prior to the Blood Bank, she worked for more than fifteen years in sales and marketing for the Maryland tourism industry.

Continue reading "GRACE VANDEVISSER NAMED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE FOR BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA" »

UPDATE:
Due to the predicted inclement weather, the William Penn High School blood drive has been CANCELLED. It will be rescheduled for later this school year.

Continue reading "UPDATED - William Penn Students Attempt Largest High School Blood Drive - February 25" »

Event is at least twice the size of every other high school blood drive in the program

Continue reading "WILLIAM PENN STUDENTS ATTEMPT LARGEST HIGH SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE ON DELMARVA ON FEBRUARY 25" »

Wilmington, DE - Just one year after Blood Bank of Delmarva opened its new Wilmington Donor Center, the organization has been able to increase downtown blood donations by 10%.

The Blood Bank moved from the ninth floor of the 913 North Market Street building in January of 2009 to a street-front location on the first floor of the same building. In the year since the new center officially opened its doors, there have been 4911 blood donations - about 10% more than the year before.

Continue reading "BLOOD DONATIONS IN WILMINGTON INCREASE BY 10% IN 2009" »

Newark, DE - Roy Roper has been named Vice President of Administrative Services for Blood Bank of Delmarva. He will be responsible for all operational administrative departments within the organization, including Accounting, Information Technology, Marketing, Public Relations, Membership, Donor Scheduling, Facilities and Purchasing.

Ellen Kellom is the Blood Bank's new Vice President of Technical Services. She will oversee all technical departments, including Donor Services, Laboratory and Product Management.

Both Mr. Roper and Ms. Kellom bring many years of experience and expertise to the organization.

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA ANNOUNCES TWO NEW VICE PRESIDENTS" »

NEWARK, DE - Jane Frelick of Newark is turning 90-years-old on Tuesday, February 16 and she has big plans to mark the occasion. Jane will be saving lives by donating platelets at one o'clock (donation takes more than an hour) at Blood Bank of Delmarva's Christiana Center - just has she has done for the past decade.

"When you talk to Jane, you are immediately impressed by her positivity and her enthusiasm towards saving lives," said Bob Travis, President and CEO of Blood Bank of Delmarva. "She is one of our most dedicated donors. She gives platelets about once a month and has donated more than 10 gallons to date."

Continue reading "WOMAN CELEBRATES 90TH BIRTHDAY BY GIVING PLATELETS" »

Newark, DE - In the last week, back-to-back major snow storms have forced Blood Bank of Delmarva to close its centers and cancel blood drives for three days - last Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday. As a result, more than 700 donor appointments were lost. While the Blood Bank has been able to fill every order from the 17 hospitals it serves, backup supplies are low for some types and must be replenished.

Continue reading "DONORS NEEDED TO REPLENISH LOCAL BLOOD SUPPLY" »

Two-day blood drive brought in 784 blood donors - the most ever in the history of the event

Continue reading "BLOOD DONORS CRUSH DONATION RECORD AT 12TH ANNUAL BEACH BLANKET BLOOD DRIVE" »

700 registered blood donors expected at 12th Annual Beach Blanket Blood Drive

Continue reading "REGION'S LARGEST 2-DAY BLOOD DRIVE RETURNS TO OCEAN CITY JANUARY 19 & 20" »

Organization's goal is to schedule 250 additional appointments before the event begins

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK HOPES TO ATTRACT MORE DONORS FOR BEACH BLANKET BLOOD DRIVE" »

Organization recognizes 56,234 local donors who gave blood in 2009

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA CELEBRATES NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH IN JANUARY" »

700 registered blood donors expected at Beach Blanket Blood Drive

Continue reading "One of the East Coast's Largest Blood Drive Events Will Return to Ocean City" »

900 blood donors expected at 8th annual CAA Blood Challenge November 18

Continue reading "UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE HOSTS THE BIGGEST ONE-DAY BLOOD DRIVE ON DELMARVA" »

Blood Bank president and CEO Bob Travis accepts the award on behalf of the organization.

Newark, DE - Blood Bank of Delmarva is being honored at the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 20th Anniversary Diabetes Gala on November 6, 2009 at 7:00pm at the Deerfield Golf & Tennis Club for being the first blood bank in the country to offer diabetes screening to every blood donor. The ADA chooses an honoree based on their commitment to helping raise awareness about the seriousness of the diabetes epidemic in the community.

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS HONOR FOR DIABETES SCREENING PROGRAM" »

NOTE: To see the full question, roll your mouse over the words.

Continue reading "Test your Blood Bank Knowledge!" »

WILMINGTON, DE - Blood Bank of Delmarva will hold an awards luncheon on Wednesday, October 21 from Noon to 1:30pm at Cranston Heights Fire Hall in Wilmington (3306 Kirkwood Highway) to recognize 34 high schools in New Castle and Cecil Counties for their lifesaving contributions to the record-breaking 2008-2009 School Blood Drive Program. This luncheon is attended by students and school advisors who will play a major role in organizing high school blood drives during the 2009-2010 season, the 25th anniversary of the School Program.

Continue reading "NEW CASTLE AND CECIL COUNTY STUDENTS TO BE HONORED FOR BREAKING BLOOD DONATION RECORDS" »

SALISBURY, MD - Blood Bank of Delmarva will hold an awards luncheon on Wednesday, October 14 from Noon to 1:30pm at Brew River Restaurant and Bar in Salisbury (504 W. Main Street) to recognize thirteen high schools in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties for their lifesaving contributions to the record-breaking 2008-2009 School Blood Drive Program. This luncheon is attended by students and school advisors who will play a major role in organizing high school blood drives during the 2009-2010 season, the 25th anniversary of the School Program.

Continue reading "EASTERN SHORE STUDENTS TO BE HONORED FOR BREAKING BLOOD DONATION RECORDS" »

MILFORD, DE - Blood Bank of Delmarva will hold an awards luncheon on Thursday, October 8 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at La Tonalteca Mexican Restaurant in Milford (654 N. DuPont Highway) to recognize thirteen high schools in Kent and Sussex Counties for their lifesaving contributions to the record-breaking 2008-2009 School Blood Drive Program. This luncheon is attended by students and school advisors who will play a major role in organizing high school blood drives during the 2009-2010 season, the 25th anniversary of the School Program.

Continue reading "KENT AND SUSSEX COUNTY STUDENTS TO BE HONORED FOR BREAKING BLOOD DONATION RECORDS" »

In anticipation of the upcoming flu season, Blood Bank of Delmarva is taking steps to maintain a healthy environment at its centers. Hand sanitizers have been placed at all facilities, and employees and volunteers are being urged to stay home if they are experiencing flu symptoms.

Continue reading "NOTE TO DONORS: Information on Cold and Flu Season" »

WILMINGTON, DE - The 7th Annual Summer Blood Challenge (SBC) - a competition to recruit the most Blood Bank members and donors during the summer - has ended and total blood donation and membership point totals are in. The top lifesaving employers on Delmarva will be announced at an Awards Party on Wednesday, September 16 from 6pm to 8pm at the DuPont Country Club's Crystal Ballroom (1001 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803). Representatives from the 149 competing employers will be present to hear the results and be recognized.

Continue reading "TOP LIFESAVING EMPLOYERS TO BE RECOGNIZED SEPTEMBER 16" »

WILMINGTON, DE - City of Wilmington Chief of Staff, Bill Montgomery, and a team of 11 other City leaders are giving blood in a "Giving Blood with Bill" event at the new downtown Wilmington Donor Center (913 North Market Street) on Monday, August 31.

Continue reading "CITY LEADERS TEAM UP TO SUPPORT SUMMER BLOOD SUPPLY" »

Perdue employee Glenn Costa is an engineer by trade - but one of his passions is recruiting blood donors. His wife, Cindy, recently lost her life to lung cancer, and Glenn is honoring her legacy by continuing her dedication to service.

Continue reading "Perdue Employee Honors Wife's Legacy by Recruiting Blood Donors" »

One-year-old daughter relies on transfusions every 3 weeks to survive

Continue reading "Salisbury Mother Spreads Message About the Need for Blood" »

Continue reading "Popular 5K Event Helps Raise Awareness of Increased Need for Blood in Summer" »

Team to receive trophy on July 6

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK TEAM WINS NATIONAL DONATION COMPETITION FOR SECOND YEAR" »

Nearly 7,000 blood donations help patients survive accidents and life-threatening illnesses

Continue reading "SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE PROGRAM SETS RECORDS AGAIN" »

NEWARK, DE - Blood Bank of Delmarva will join blood centers around the globe to observe World Blood Donor Day on June 14. The annual event, hosted in Australia this year, highlights the role blood donors play in saving the lives and improving the health of millions each year.

Continue reading "BLOOD CENTERS AROUND THE GLOBE CELEBRATE WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY ON JUNE 14" »

5 and 6-year-old "Daisies" deliver cookies on May 20 at 4pm

Continue reading "Girl Scouts Donate 600 Boxes of Cookies to Blood Bank Canteens" »

Events held May 11 and 14 to kick off competition to save lives

Continue reading "SUMMER BLOOD CHALLENGE HEATS UP AGAIN ON THE PENINSULA" »

Recognition event to be held May 7 for winners of grand-opening promotion

Continue reading "1000th BLOOD DONOR MILESTONE REACHED AT NEW DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON CENTER" »

SALISBURY, MD - It's no secret that blood donors love the canteen cookies. And the cookie selection in Salisbury just got a little sweeter.

The Girl Scout Service Unit 97 from the Girl Scouts Chesapeake Bay Council will be delivering 240 boxes of cookies to the Blood Bank's Salisbury Donor Center (1309 Mt. Hermon Road) on Tuesday, April 28 at 4pm.

Blood Bank of Delmarva was chosen as a recipient of this cookie donation through an annual campaign called "Operation Taste of Home." The campaign allows the public to buy Girl Scout cookies that will be sent to military troops around the world and to local organizations on Delmarva.

Continue reading "Girl Scouts in Salisbury Donate 240 Boxes of Cookies to Blood Bank Canteens" »

NEWARK, DE - 58-year-old Eric Mayer of Newark, Delaware will be making his 200th platelet donation at Blood Bank of Delmarva's Christiana Center on Thursday, April 23 at 7:30am (donation will last more than one hour). He joins an elite group of only 5 other platelet donors in the Blood Bank database who have donated more than 200 times.

"I remember the first time I told my mom I was coming in to donate platelets about 15 years ago," Mayer said. "She got the biggest smile on her face and told me how proud she was. I've been donating platelets twice a month ever since. I consider the Blood Bank my happy place."

Continue reading "NEWARK MAN JOINS ELITE GROUP OF BLOOD DONORS WITH 200TH PLATELET DONATION" »

Episode hits close to home for a family in Newark battling the same rare disease that affects just 700 people in the world

Continue reading ""Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" To Highlight Diamond Blackfan Anemia and Ongoing Need for Blood Donations" »

Wilmington, DE - When Chris Ashton was less than a year old, doctors discovered a hole in the lower chamber of his heart. During surgery, Chris was pale white and non-responsive, and without blood transfusions, he would not have survived. Chris received two pints of blood and within an hour, he was pink again and his eyes were focused. The surgery was a success.

That was in 1991. Today, Chris is a 17-year-old student at Salesianum School in Wilmington and is finally old enough to give back to the cause that saved his life. He registered to give blood at his high school blood drive on Tuesday, March 10 at 8:30am.

Continue reading "Student Gives Blood 17 Years after Needing a Blood Transfusion to Survive" »

Crisfield, MD - Blood Bank of Delmarva is happy to announce that Bill Robinson has joined its Regional Board. Members of the board work in their communities to increase awareness about the need for blood and to encourage people to join and support the Blood Bank.

Mr. Robinson is a marketing specialist for the McCready Foundation, the organization that operates the community hospital and nursing home in Crisfield, MD. In addition to his responsibilities for promoting McCready's healthcare services and working as a community liaison, Mr. Robinson also manages the Foundation's website.

Continue reading "BILL ROBINSON JOINS BLOOD BANK SOUTHERN REGIONAL BOARD" »

Newark, DE - Howard L. Keener, Jr. has been named Director of Marketing for Blood Bank of Delmarva. Keener will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of new Blood Bank members and donors, including working with area employers to sponsor the group membership plan.

Continue reading "HOWARD KEENER NAMED DIRECTOR OF MARKETING" »

Students and Blood Bank staff prepared to recruit and process 265 donors

Continue reading "LOCAL STUDENTS ATTEMPT "LARGEST ONE-DAY HIGH SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE ON DELMARVA" FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW" »

WHAT:
U.S. Senator Tom Carper is teaming up with 22 Wilmington police recruits to give blood at the new downtown donor center in Wilmington. With just a week until the recruits graduate from the police academy, Senator Carper is proud of their efforts in already giving back.

"Once these recruits hit the streets, they'll be faced with countless situations where people in the community need help to survive," said Senator Carper. "Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to save lives and make a difference, and it's important for our officers to set a good example."

WHEN:
Friday, February 13
Police recruits donate from 7:45am - 12:30pm
Senator Tom Carper donates at 9:45am

WHERE:
Blood Bank of Delmarva
913 North Market Street (First Floor)
Wilmington, DE

With theme "Fishing for Blood Donors - Hooked on Saving Lives," two-day event 'reeled' in 655 blood donors

Continue reading "'WAVES' OF BLOOD DONORS PROVIDE A RECORD TURNOUT AT BEACH BLANKET BLOOD DRIVE" »

Beach Blanket Blood Drive hopes to reel in 700 blood donors

Continue reading "REGION'S LARGEST 2-DAY BLOOD DRIVE RETURNS TO OCEAN CITY JANUARY 27 & 28" »

City of Wilmington leaders roll up their sleeves in Grand Opening event

See PHOTOS from the event!

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OPENS NEW DONOR CENTER TO INCREASE DOWNTOWN BLOOD DONATIONS" »

The first 1000 blood donors at the new downtown Wilmington Center (first floor of 913 North Market Street) will earn a chance to win a flat screen HDTV/DVD combo, one of four framed prints by renowned local photographer Kevin Fleming (his work is shown below), and one of sixteen of Fleming's best-selling books "Wild Delaware" and "Delaware."

Continue reading "Earn a Chance to Win an HDTV!" »

Blood Bank celebrates donor efforts during National Blood Donor Month this January

Continue reading "NEW RECORD FOR BLOOD DONATIONS IN 2008" »

$5,200 will go towards hunger relief programs on Delmarva

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK STAFF DONATES HOLIDAY GIFT FUNDS TO FOOD BANK" »

New technology expected to improve accuracy of medical history information

Newark, DE - Blood donors know the drill. Before giving blood, each person is asked the same 50 questions about their personal and medical history - every time they come in to give blood - no matter how often they donate. Those questions are mandated by the Food and Drug Administration and are designed to protect the blood supply. The donor interview is an important aspect of blood safety that protects donors as well as transfusion recipients.

But now, because of exciting technology that has made its way to the Blood Bank's interview booths, donors will be playing a much more active role in the process.

Continue reading "BLOOD DONOR INTERVIEW BOOTHS GO DIGITAL" »

New center will accommodate blood donors needed well into future

New Christiana Center - 100 Hygeia Drive, Newark, DE 19713

New Christiana Donor Room

Continue reading "Region's Largest Blood Donor Center To Double in Size" »

Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood in Claymont

Continue reading "NEW COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVES HELP INCREASE BLOOD SUPPLY BEFORE HOLIDAYS" »

Donors at the Beach Blanket Blood Drive help stabilize winter blood supply

Continue reading "One of the East Coast's Largest 2-Day Blood Drives Returns to Ocean City" »

PICTURED: University of Delaware Football Coach K.C. Keeler donating at the 2007 CAA Blood Challenge.

Continue reading "UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE HOSTS THE BIGGEST ONE-DAY BLOOD DRIVE OF THE YEAR" »

Donors urged to see personal physician

NEWARK, DE - In the first year of Blood Bank of Delmarva's new diabetes screening program, 375 blood donors received important information about their health after they gave blood: they had glucose levels of more than 200. Donors with that result have been urged to contact their physicians for further testing. Of those with elevated glucose levels, 18 blood donors had dangerous levels greater than 400 and four donors were in the critical range above 500. The highest glucose result to date was 598.

Click HERE for the story of a blood donor who had glucose levels in the critical range (530).

Continue reading "375 POTENTIAL DIABETICS IDENTIFIED BY BLOOD BANK'S SCREENING PROGRAM IN FIRST YEAR" »

WILMINGTON, DE - Blood Bank of Delmarva will be holding an awards luncheon on Wednesday, October 22 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Cranston Heights Fire Hall in Wilmington to recognize 35 high schools in New Castle and Cecil Counties for their lifesaving contributions to the 2007-2008 School Blood Drive Program.

Students at those schools contributed 2,690 units of blood last year. Thanks to schools across the Peninsula, a record total of 6,684 donations were collected at 115 school blood drives from September 2007 to May 2008.

The following schools took top honors for the largest number of blood donors:

Continue reading "HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE HONORED FOR SHATTERING BLOOD DONOR RECORD" »

Blood Bank of Delmarva held an awards luncheon to recognize 14 high schools in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties for their lifesaving contributions to the 2007-2008 School Blood Drive Program.

Continue reading "EASTERN SHORE STUDENTS HONORED FOR BREAKING BLOOD DONATION RECORDS" »

Blood Bank of Delmarva held an awards luncheon on Thursday, October 9 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Georgia House in Milford to recognize 13 high schools in Kent and Sussex counties for their lifesaving contributions to the 2007-2008 School Blood Drive Program.

Barbara Mallory, of Dover, Delaware, was at the luncheon to share her amazing story about the need for blood. Barbara's 2-year-old daughter, Brianna, was diagnosed with JMML, a rare type of juvenile leukemia. At a very early age, Brianna faced many serious treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. To aid in her recovery, Brianna needed weekly red cell and platelet transfusions for nearly 18 months.

PICTURED: Brianna, 2004

Continue reading "KENT AND SUSSEX COUNTY STUDENTS HONORED FOR BREAKING BLOOD DONATION RECORDS" »

Continue reading "Blood Bank To Hold First Community Drive in Claymont" »

Continue reading "Wilmington Donor Center - HOURS OF OPERATION" »

WILMINGTON, DE - At just two-months-old, Ke'Asia M. of Wilmington, Delaware was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. This disease is an inherited blood disorder that disfigures red blood cells, making it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels. In order to avoid life-threatening complications, Ke'Asia, now 5, needs blood transfusions every three weeks - for the rest of her life.

Continue reading "September's National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Shows Need for Diverse Blood Donors" »

Competition helps avoid blood shortages during difficult summer months

Continue reading "CHRISTIANA CARE WINS SUMMER BLOOD CHALLENGE FOR 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR" »

NEWARK, DE - Delmarva residents Wednesday are helping victims of Hurricane Ike with blood sent to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston. The shipment from Blood Bank of Delmarva included 80 units of O-Positive blood, 20 units of O-Negative, and 15 units of B-Negative.

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA HELPS IN WAKE OF HURRICANE IKE" »

Featured speakers share real life experiences with blood transfusions and need for blood

Continue reading "RECORD-BREAKING SUMMER BLOOD CHALLENGE RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED" »

Sickle cell disease affects 70,000 Americans. 90% are of African descent.

Continue reading "September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month" »

The Blood Bank teamed up with the Delmarva Shorebirds this summer to mix the excitement of baseball with the importance of blood donation. During each game, Sherman - the Shorebirds mascot - "shoots" several Blood Bank t-shirts into the crowd.

Check out the happy winner!

New location enhances convenience of blood donation for the area's booming population

BANNER HANGING ACROSS NORTH BROAD STREET IN MIDDLETOWN

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK HOLDS FIRST COMMUNITY DRAW IN MIDDLETOWN" »

Continue reading "POPULAR 5K EVENT HELPS RAISE AWARENESS OF INCREASED NEED FOR BLOOD IN SUMMER" »

NEWARK, DE - With the theme "Fuel for Life, Hero for Life," the 6th annual Summer Blood Challenge - a competition among 126 businesses and organizations throughout Delmarva to recruit the most new Blood Bank members and blood donors - ties together the community's need for blood with a desire for FREE GAS. Each day of the summer competition (May 19 to August 30), one participant will be selected randomly and given a $25 gas card.

Continue reading "FREE GAS FOR BLOOD DONORS" »

Newark, DE - Howard L. Keener, Jr. has been named Community Development Executive for Blood Bank of Delmarva. He will be responsible for developing Blood Bank membership and donor potential by working with community and business leaders and the Blood Bank's Executive and Regional Boards of Directors.

Continue reading "HOWARD KEENER NAMED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE FOR BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA" »

Delmarva donors encouraged to take on "LifeSaver" status

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA OBSERVES WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY ON JUNE 14" »

WILMINGTON, DE - City of Wilmington Chief of Staff Bill Montgomery has challenged other city police officers and city leaders to give blood in a "Blood with Bill" event at the downtown Wilmington blood donation center.

Continue reading "WILMINGTON LEADERS AND POLICE TEAM UP TO SUPPORT SUMMER BLOOD SUPPLY" »

More than 11,000 students and faculty signed up to donate during 2007-2008 school year

Continue reading "SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE DONATIONS HIT A RECORD HIGH" »

Newark, DE - Richard D. Pearce was elected the new Chair of Blood Bank of Delmarva's Executive Board of Directors. This board sets policy for the organization. Pearce has served on the board since 1991 and on its Executive Board since 1993, most recently as Vice-Chair.

Continue reading "RICHARD PEARCE NAMED NEW CHAIR OF BLOOD BANK EXECUTIVE BOARD" »

Blood Bank of Delmarva team wins national double red blood cell donation competition

PICTURED: Blood Bank phlebotomists celebrating the victory!

Continue reading ""DELMARVA ALYX ALL-STARS" ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" »

Companies and organizations can still join in the competition to save lives

Continue reading "Summer Blood Challenge Fuels Life - and Gas Tanks - Across the Peninsula" »

New Castle, DE - On Wednesday, February 27, students and staff from William Penn High School in New Castle attempted to break another record - by once again holding the largest one-day high school blood drive on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Continue reading "LOCAL STUDENTS ATTEMPT "LARGEST ONE-DAY HIGH SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE ON DELMARVA" FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW" »

Continue reading "Donor Record Shattered at 10th Annual Beach Blanket Blood Drive" »

Colds, flu season and inclement weather impact blood supply

Continue reading "WINTER MONTHS FREEZE BLOOD DONATIONS ON DELMARVA" »

Blood Bank of Delmarva is following the local and national trend of health care organizations going "smoke-free." As of January 1, 2008, a smoking ban is in effect at all Blood Bank locations. This includes all donor centers, vehicles, Bloodmobiles, and parking lots. It also includes personal cars in Blood Bank parking lots and other facilities used by the Blood Bank as work areas.

Continue reading "Blood Bank of Delmarva Goes "Smoke-Free"" »

Glucose level of several blood donors in dangerous range

Continue reading "New Screening Program Identifies More Than 100 Potential Diabetics" »

Donors in 18-30 age group have plunged over the years

Continue reading "Blood Bank asks young to become 'members'" »

Wilmington, DE- While many Americans rush to buy gifts for their friends and family this holiday season, on Monday, December 10, more than 100 people gave another type of gift- the gift of life. Blood Bank of Delmarva hosted the first-ever Holiday Heroes Blood Drive at the Talleyville Fire Hall (3919 Concord Pike).

Continue reading "CALLING ALL HOLIDAY HEROES- GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE" »

Continue reading "BBD Draws Nearly 700 Blood Donors in Single Day Competition" »

Downtown blood donations have plummeted 63% in past decade

Continue reading "BLOOD BANK OF DELMARVA LAUNCHES MAJOR CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE BLOOD DONATIONS IN WILMINGTON" »

Join us in celebrating our newly renovated Wilmington Center at 913 N. Market Street. All Wilmington blood donors will receive a special gift for a limited time, while supplies last.

Choose your day, choose your gift!

T-Shirt TUESDAYs
Free Limited Edition T-Shirt

Warm-up WEDNESDAYs
Free Fleece Blanket

Travel-mug THURSDAYs
FREE Commemorative Travel Mug

Forget-your-lunch FRIDAYs
Free packed lunch provided by Bean Bag Cafe

Schedule an appointment:
1 888 8-BLOOD-8
or online

Parking is validated.

View the poster with more details.

Continue reading "Students Honored for Breaking Blood Donation Records" »

BBD expects to screen more than 50,000 people and inform at least 4,000 donors in the first year that they may have the disease.

Continue reading "Blood Bank of Delmarva Launches the First Diabetes Screening Program for Blood Donors in the United States" »

Ninety-five employers on Delmarva helped save lives this summer by participating in the 5th annual Summer Blood Challenge - a competition from May 21 and September 1 to recruit the most blood donors and Blood Bank of Delmarva members. Together, thousands of employees contributed a total of 5,308 blood donations, a 9% increase over the 2006 Challenge.

Continue reading "Summer Blood Challenge Breaks Records" »

Blood Bank of Delmarva has announced that beginning in October, it will offer blood donors the opportunity to be screened for diabetes beginning in October. It will be the first blood banking organization in the country to launch this type of program.

Continue reading "Blood Bank of Delmarva to Become Nation's First Blood Center to Screen for Diabetes" »

The 5th annual Summer Blood Challenge 5K was a record-breaker for Blood Bank of Delmarva on Saturday, July 21. An enthusiastic crowd of runners and walkers turned out on a picture-perfect day. A total of 723 participants (up from 667 in 2006) walked or ran in this much anticipated race. This year, the race started and ended at Frawley Stadium on Wilmington's Riverfront.

Continue reading "Summer Blood Challenge 5K Breaks Records!" »

More than a dozen leaders from the civic and business community came together in support of "VIP Donor Day" on July 11. "VIP Donor Day" is held in support of the Blood Bank of Delmarva's 5th annual Summer Blood Challenge, a Delmarva-wide competition among area employers to recruit the most blood donors and Blood Bank members. "VIP Donor Day" also calls attention to the Blood Bank's Wilmington Donor Center, where it can often be a struggle to fill donation schedules. Click the link below for photos and the list of participants.

Continue reading "VIP Donors help support summer blood supply" »

Please Help. Blood Bank of Delmarva has an extra need for Type O Negative and A Positive blood. As the holiday weekend approaches, blood donations are down. Additional donors are needed to ensure an adequate supply for area hospitals through the end of the month. Please call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 to schedule an appointment. Day and evening hours are available. While there is an increased need for Type O Negative and A Positive blood, donors with all types are urged to give blood if eligible.

Blood Bank of Delmarva welcomes employers participating in 5th annual Summer Blood Challenge For the first time, employers across Delmarva will square off in a summer competition to save lives.

Between May 21 and September 1, nearly 100 businesses and organizations will battle it out to recruit the most new Blood Bank members and blood donors. (The annual competition was limited to just northern Delaware businesses in the past.) One will be named the "Top Lifesaving Employer" on Delmarva. With the theme "The Blood Supply Doesn't Take A Summer Vacation," the Challenge addresses the serious struggle to find donors in the summer.

The problem is a double-edged sword. Emergencies typically increase in the summer with students out of school and more drivers on the road. So does the need for blood. But vacations and other summer activities also increase, so fewer donors are available. Now that the competition has expanded Delmarva-wide, we are hopeful that even more people on Delmarva will get the message to give blood, especially during the summer, said Dave Bonk, the Blood Bank's director of marketing. "The Summer Blood Challenge helps protect our local blood supply and avoid serious shortages that have hit other areas nationwide."

Employers that would like to be involved in the 2007 Summer Blood Challenge should call the Blood Bank of Delmarva at 302-737-8405 ext 887 or email Lisa Gravely at lgravely@bbd.org.

Erin Maloney, junior at Delaware Military Academy, gave a pint of her best at her school's recent blood drive. High school and college students across Delmarva helped save countless lives this school year. To view more school photos, click here.

The Blood Bank's newly designed website was officially launched on April 16. This new site provides a more interesting and dynamic "look" to appeal to young and old alike. It is more easily navigable and has a user-friendly format. It also provides several interactive opportunities, from requesting a blood donation appointment to joining the Blood Bank online.

You have at your fingertips a wealth of information organized under five main banners: Donate Blood, Fast Facts, Join the Blood Bank, News & Events and About BBD. Each section provides additional information and features dozens of photos of BBD members and donors making a difference. If you have suggestions or comments, please contact the Blood Bank at membership@bbd.org. Thanks to creative production agency Elany Arts for their fantastic work on this project.

Click here to request an appointment.

Download a flyer PDF of the color version.

Download a flyer PDF of the black and white version.

Hundreds of people in the Ocean City area converged on the Convention Center on January 31 and February 1 for the 9th Annual Beach Blanket Blood Drive. A total of 589 donors registered for the drive and the final unit total was 56 more units of blood than in 2006. Part of this growth can be attributed to 40 Type O donors who had the opportunity to provide 80 units of red cells, thanks to the new ALYX double red cell collection technology.

Continue reading "2007 Beach Blanket Blood Drive" »

Ashley Thomas and John Raymond were first-timers at the Hockessin Blood Drive held at Hockessin Memorial Hall on January 18. Thank you to them and the other blood donors who took the time to save a life!

The University of Delaware earned second place recognition in this year's CAA Have a Heart Blood Drive, getting edged out by Drexel University. Read the full press release (PDF).

Congratulations to Drexel University for winning the fifth annual CAA Blood Challenge with 713 blood donors. Drexel edged out reigning four-time champ University of Delaware which had 702 donors. All twelve schools in the CAA deserve praise for taking the time to help save lives! Thank you!

See the final standings after the link.

Continue reading "Congratulations to Drexel University" »

A big THANK YOU to University of Delaware students and staff for saving lives in the 2006 CAA Have a Heart Blood Challenge!

See pictures by clicking the link below.

Continue reading "A big THANK YOU to University of Delaware" »

Check out the new Blood Drop E-Newsletter for school blood drive leaders here.

We're proud to announce that we will now be regularly communicating using this newsletter about upcoming blood drives and yearly events.