DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Legislative Black Caucus partnered with Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) to host a blood drive celebrating Black History Month in Dover on Friday, February 27. The drive and correlating event aimed to shine a light on the urgent need for donors and the role a diverse blood supply plays in ensuring better outcomes for patients in minority communities.
Bruce Sachais, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, and Enterprise Chief Medical Officer emphasized that while matching ABO and Rh types is standard, closer matches by ethnicity can be lifesaving. 5.7% of current BBD donors are African American, compared with 22.5% of Delaware’s population. These donations are essential, as 1 in 3 African American blood donors are a match for sickle cell patients, Dr. Sachais said.
State Representative Kerri Evelyn Harris, who first visited BBD’s Dover Donor Center in January, spoke of the potential for more people to help in the lifesaving mission of Blood Bank of Delmarva.
“Delawareans from all backgrounds rely on blood donations every day, and the reality is that none of us knows when we, or someone we love, may need a lifesaving transfusion,” said Harris, a member of the DLBC. “That is why this event is about more than a single day of advocacy. It is about building awareness and strengthening a community that understands the importance of a blood donor base that reflects the diversity of our state. When our blood supply mirrors the people it serves, patients experience better outcomes. This drive is not the end of the work. It is the beginning of a long-term commitment to keeping Delaware’s blood supply strong, stable, and inclusive.”
State Representative and DLBC member Kendra Johnson shared of how sickle cell disease affects hundreds of families in Delaware, including her own. Rep. Johnson and Rep. Harris also attended the presentation of the Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award to State Auditor Lydia E. York.
“For many patients, regular blood transfusions are part of ongoing treatment, and the closer the match, the better the outcome,” she said. “Diversifying our blood supply is essential to improving those outcomes and advancing equity in healthcare, so that those who are already disproportionately impacted are not further disadvantaged by a lack of compatible blood.”
In addition to Harris and Johnson, State Representative Franklin Cooke, the DLBC Chairman, offered remarks on behalf of the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus. Rep. Harris and BBD Director of Immunohematology Chloe Homich, who spoke at the press conference as well, were also interviewed by WBOC Delmarva’s News Leader.
Last but not least, State Representative Kamela Smith, State Senator Eric Buckson and State Representative Lyndon Yearick, a 100-time donor with BBD, attended the press conference held by DLBC at the Dover Donor Center in a strong showing of bipartisan support.
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance, if possible, and to hydrate and eat well before donating. Appointments can also be made by calling 1-888-8-BLOOD-8, or booking online.
