In honor of Black History Month, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) presented its third annual Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award to Delaware Auditor of Accounts Lydia E. York during a ceremony at BBD’s Christiana Donor Center on February 17. York—the first African American woman elected to a statewide executive office in Delaware—recently reached one gallon of donated blood and joined BBD’s Galloneer Club.
The award recognizes partners who raise awareness about the need for diverse blood donors. It honors the legacy of Dr. Charles Richard Drew, a pioneer of modern blood banking whose research during World War II advanced blood storage and transfusion practices.
Diverse blood donations are critical for patients who need closely matched transfusions, including many people with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects African Americans. Matching donors and recipients by additional blood characteristics can improve outcomes.
BBD leaders and local officials—including Delaware State Representatives Kerri Evelyn Harris, Sophie Phillips, and Kendra Johnson—presented the award. All are members of the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus and the Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus.
“Dr. Drew’s commitment to service and medical progress in the face of segregation are an example for all of us to aspire to,” said State Auditor York. “That’s why I am so honored to receive this award, and to have the opportunity to help the Blood Bank of Delmarva advance their mission. Giving blood has been an important part of my life since I was in high school. As an O negative donor, I give because I know one day I may need it. That becomes even more true when supplies at blood banks are running low, like I know they are right now.”
“I strongly encourage everyone gathered here, and anyone listening at home to consider donating blood,” she continued. “Your donation will help ensure patients have access to blood they need. Together, our efforts can continue this lifesaving mission and honor the legacy of Dr. Charles Drew.”
BBD Vice President of Operations Kristin Frederick noted that divisions of New York Blood Center Enterprises present the award with the Drew family’s blessing to recognize leaders who promote donor diversity.
New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) Medical Director Dr. Bruce Sachais emphasized that while matching ABO and Rh types is standard, closer matches by ethnicity can be lifesaving. Currently, 5.7% of BBD donors are African American, compared with 22.5% of Delaware’s population.
Director, Immunohematology Reference Lab Chloe Homich also shared that York’s O-negative donations have supported trauma patients, surgeries, newborns, and recently, a child with sickle cell disease who required closely matched blood.
Last but not least, Representative Sophie Phillips encouraged state residents to visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 to schedule an appointment.
