Local teen donates blood for first time

In a heartwarming act of generosity, 16-year-old Benjamin Parsons decided to make a significant community impact by donating blood for the first time. 

With the support of Blood Bank of Delmarva team members Joshua Armstrong, collections supervisor, and Tony Prado, communications specialist, Ben donated a pint of whole blood to make a difference in the lives of those in need. To help Ben feel more comfortable during the process, Armstrong talked and joked with him about their common interest in the Elden Ring role-playing game.

“Blood donations play a crucial role in saving lives, especially for serious traumas, and each donation can impact multiple individuals in need,” said Prado.

"My grandmother, Mary Parsons, donated blood regularly, and she believed in the importance of giving back," said Ben. "I want to follow in her footsteps to donate blood and do the same. I hope that my actions inspire others to step forward and contribute to our community in any way they can."

Ben plans to donate blood again in May, after the mandatory eight-week waiting period.

Since the Blood Bank of Delmarva recently lowered the minimum donor age to 16 with parent/guardian consent,  the doors are open for many more young people to donate in the area. There is still a shortage of blood donations across the country, and the majority of blood donated locally stays in Delmarva.