Bayhealth and DSU Athletics set Ballin’ for Blood Drive Feb. 1

For the second consecutive year, Bayhealth is teaming up with Blood Bank of Delmarva and Delaware State University Athletics to host the Ballin’ for Blood Drive, from 12 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, on Bayhealth Court in Memorial Hall Gym on the main DSU campus, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover.

Bayhealth will be cheering on the Hornets and encouraging fans to register for the Ballin’ for Blood Drive during the Hornets’ basketball doubleheader against Morgan State University Saturday, Jan. 28. The first game begins at 2 p.m.

Bayhealth is the primary healthcare provider for DSU Athletics and a longtime partner of BBD, which supplies blood to Bayhealth Hospital’s Kent Campus and Sussex Campus. The goal of Ballin’ for Blood is to raise awareness of the importance of a stable and diverse blood supply, and to ultimately save lives in area communities by filling 50 donation appointments.

"The Ballin’ for Blood Drive is an excellent example of the power of community partnerships and how our combined efforts can positively impact the lives of those we serve,” said Terry Murphy, FACHE, Bayhealth president and CEO. “Our care teams rely on these blood donations to save lives every day.”

The drive also coincides with the start of Black History Month. During this time, BBD will work closely with community partners to increase African American donors. DSU, a historically black college, will play a large role in those efforts. Right now, about 5% of BBD’s donors are African American, but they make up about 22% of the state’s population.

According to a guide published by America’s Blood Centers and the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, one in three African American donors is 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.

“Delaware State Athletics is proud to once again partner with Bayhealth and Blood Bank of Delmarva to raise awareness of the importance of a stable blood supply and to help save countless lives throughout our community and beyond,” said Alecia Shields-Gadson, Hornets director of athletics. “Our partnership with Bayhealth is all about utilizing our joint resources to inform and educate the university family and community at large on all things health and wellness, and this blood drive is a critical part of that mission. Bayhealth is truly here for our Hornets.”

“We hope that the Bayhealth and DSU partnership provides the community with a reminder on the importance of a diverse blood supply,” said Nicole Pineault, BBD director of donor resources. “Donating blood is a great way to give back to your community, and you will help save up to three lives.”

Last year, the Ballin’ for Blood Drive brought in 33 units. Most of the donors were DSU students and staff, local residents, and Bayhealth employees and volunteers.

To learn more and register to donate, go to Bayhealth.org/B4B.

All donors will receive a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card and the chance to win a $500 gift card.