Bayhealth’s Ballin’ for Blood Drive at Delaware State University Booked 47 Donors

Bayhealth teamed up with Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) and Delaware State University (DSU) Athletics to host the third annual Ballin’ for Blood Drive on Feb. 1.

The blood drive booked 47 donors at Bayhealth Court in Memorial Hall Gym on the main DSU campus. Presenting donors were entered into a chance to win four tickets to a Philadelphia 76ers game in March.

Bayhealth registered several students and other donors during the Hornets’ basketball doubleheader on Jan. 27.

Contributing to the cause were Delaware State University students and staff, Bayhealth team members, and other community members. "As part of Bayhealth's community outreach efforts, we create opportunities that impact the health of everyone," said Bayhealth Interim Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Community Outreach Amanda Bowie. "The Ballin' for Blood Drive has become a staple event for us that we hope to grow for years to come."

Bayhealth Primary Stroke Program Coordinator Kimberly Holmes, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, PCCN-K, donated blood at the Ballin’ for Blood Drive and is motivated by her loved ones to donate regularly. “My mother recently had major surgery and required several units of blood. I cannot imagine being told ‘your mother needs a blood transfusion, but we don’t have any blood to give her.’ We can all make a difference by donating!”

The drive at DSU, a historically black college (HBCU), coincided with the start of Black History Month. During this time, BBD will work closely with community partners to increase African American donors. Right now, about 5.7 percent of BBD’s donors are African American, an increase of 0.6 percent between 2022 and 2023.

According to a guide published by America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and ADRP, one in three African American donors are a match for a patient with sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that affects around 100,000 Americans. Having a diverse donor population can help ensure a better blood match for patients needing treatment.

Bayhealth is the primary healthcare provider for DSU Athletics and long-time partner of BBD which supplies blood to Bayhealth’s hospitals and standalone emergency rooms across Kent and Sussex Counties.

Follow Bayhealth on all social media platforms to stay up to date on community initiatives like Ballin’ for Blood.

Visit DelmarvaBlood.org to register to donate at one of BBD’s donor centers or blood drives.