WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Blood Bank of Delmarva’s inaugural U.S. Senate Blood Drive held Thursday, September 28 on Capitol Hill rallied for a total of 50 donors.
The large volume of walk-ins bumped up this blood drive that started with just 18 of 99 appointments filled.
This was a pioneering event that BBD Account Manager Bryan Shepherd wanted to try, and Director, Donor Resources Nicole Pineault gave the go ahead, knowing it was a risk but wanting the blood drive to succeed.
“We heard from donors that their schedules were so crazy at this time that they may not have been able to commit to an appointment, but when some time opened up in their schedule they walked in,“ Bryan said.
He was referring to the fact that U.S. Congress is currently trying to pass a budget bill that would avert a government shutdown.
“They really appreciated the convenience of donating at work,” Bryan added.
Indeed, the legislative staff for the U.S. Senate and others thanked us en masse for providing a venue for them to donate blood. Duly noted, and we truly hope to be back in the excitement and buzz of the District of Columbia.
A big, heartfelt thanks goes to U.S. Senator Tom Carper and U.S. Senator Chris Coons and their respective staffs for coming out big time to support their local blood bank, BBD! They set the tone shortly after 9 o’clock Thursday morning as most of the donors were from the offices of Carper and Coons. Then, things heated up between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a steady stream of donors.
Senator Carper was among the 50 donors scheduled.
“I’ve given blood to help a lot of other people,” he said. “You can do that too. It’s a source of great joy for me, and it could be for you. So, give some blood. Thank you.”
Nicole commended Bryan and the team for sticking it out for the victory, which included some media coverage by Politico.
“I am so proud of Bryan and the whole team, including Paige, Vivian, Paul, and all the techs and drivers,” she said. “This was new territory for us, and it sounds like we made an impression in Washington, D.C.
View photos from the U.S. Senate Blood Drive. View more photos and activities.