Press release from November 17, 2011

University of Delaware Hosts State’s Biggest Blood Drive Ever

More than 1,350 blood donors registered in historic 10^th annual CAA Blood Challenge

Newark, DE - Blue Hen supporters made history yesterday in a massive blood drive competition.  More than 1,350 blood donors registered to give blood at four drives taking place simultaneously on Wednesday, November 16 throughout University of Delaware’s campus.

“After tallying the results late last night, we were absolutely thrilled.  Yesterday’s event surpassed our previous one-day record of 900 registered donors,” said Roy Roper, Blood Bank President and CEO.  “So many people contributed to this success, and it was an amazing event to witness.  Although this is for a fun competition, at the end of the day it’s giving patients a second chance at life.  I’m proud to be associated with such a fantastic organization and generous community.”

Yesterday’s blood drive event at UD was part of a competition against the other eleven schools in the Colonial Athletic Association to recruit the most blood donors in one day. UD won the first four years of this annual competition but has lost to Drexel University the past five years.  UD was the last school to hold its competition event this year, but official results from the other schools have not yet been released. 

The CAA Blood Challenge competition was initiated in 2002 by the University of Delaware.  Other competing schools include: College of William and Mary, Hofstra University, Drexel University, George Mason University, Towson University, Northeastern University, Georgia State University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, UNC Wilmington and Virginia Commonwealth University.