Blood Bank of Delmarva’s (BBD) sixth annual Blood for a Brew campaign is on track for its strongest year yet, helping bring hundreds of donors through the doors during one of the most challenging times of year for blood collections.
Since launching in May, the campaign has collected nearly 700 units of blood, already surpassing the 687 units collected during the entire 2025 campaign. Even more encouraging, approximately 20% of donations have come from first-time donors, helping BBD introduce a new generation of donors to the lifesaving impact of blood donation.
“It has been incredibly encouraging to see so many first-time donors step forward during our summer Blood for a Brew campaign,” said Kristin Frederick, Vice President of Operations, Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Each new donor represents not only a lifesaving blood donation this summer, but also the opportunity to become a repeat donor and continue supporting patients throughout the year.”
Blood for a Brew began in 2021 with approximately a dozen participating breweries and has continued to grow each summer. This year, BBD partnered with 29 breweries and coffee shops, including 11 new partners, resulting in 46 blood drives, nearly double the number held throughout the campaign last year. The campaign also expanded into southeastern Pennsylvania for the first time.
The growth comes at an important time for the blood supply. Donations can be especially challenging to maintain during the summer as schools are out of session, families travel and regular routines change. Partnerships with local breweries and coffee shops allow BBD to bring donation opportunities directly into communities while reaching people who may not otherwise consider giving blood.
That includes new partner Iron Hill Brewery in Wilmington, Delaware, which hosted its first Blood for a Brew drive on August 21. The drive collected 14 units of blood, with four donations coming from first-time donors.
“We’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm from both our longtime partners and the new businesses that joined us this year,” said Joanna Arat, Director of Donor Recruitment, Blood Bank of Delmarva. “These partnerships give us an opportunity to meet donors where they are, introduce new people to blood donation and help keep blood on hospital shelves throughout the summer.”
Sponsored this year by Tsionas, the 2026 Blood for a Brew campaign is projected to collect nearly 900 units of blood by the time it concludes on September 10 at on Elk River Brewery.View Blood for a Brew locations and make an appointment.
