When it comes to platelet donors, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is especially grateful to those who dedicate approximately two hours to the apheresis process, during which blood is separated into its individual components. Platelet donations play a critical role in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment, trauma care, and complex medical procedures.
Historically, most blood donors in the U.S. are over the age of 40, with the average age of platelet donors rising into the late 50s to early 60s. As longtime donors age out of the donor pool due to health conditions, medications, or other eligibility factors, blood centers nationwide face the ongoing challenge of ensuring the next generation is prepared to step in and sustain the blood supply.
Donations from Millennials and Generation X donors, age groups that have historically participated at lower rates than older generations, are increasingly vital to maintaining access to lifesaving platelet products.
Among those helping to meet this need is Joseph Scholz, who has continued to donate platelets during the holiday season, including the week of Thanksgiving. Scholz, 41, started donating whole blood in college and transitioned to platelets in 2019 at BBD’s Christiana Donor Center after a family member benefited from platelet transfusions.
“My young cousin unfortunately passed away from a medical condition, but he received platelets for his treatment,” Scholz said. “I didn’t know about them, and he inspired me. When I found out there were alternative donation methods, I asked about platelets. I understood I could give more frequently, so that’s why I transitioned to doing platelets.”
Scholz added, “…I feel very blessed to be healthy and well. It’s an opportunity to help other people be healthy and well… And, it feels like a family here [at Blood Bank of Delmarva] with how well you’re treated. It’s just a tremendous blessing to be able to help.”
Another dedicated donor, Fallon Hess, first donated during the holiday season in December 2002, when she was a 17-year-old high school student. Inspired by her mother, who also began donating at age 17, Hess has remained committed to supporting patients throughout her adult life.
She transitioned to platelets 15 years ago at the Christiana Donor Center after learning how critical platelets are for pediatric cancer patients at the local children’s hospital.
“I just feel that donating gives them an hour or two to sit up and be with their loved ones, or be able to play their Super Nintendo or X-box and not feel sick,” Hess said. “We walk around going about our daily business basis making platelets, and we don’t even think about that. They have to struggle every day.”
Since 2020, blood centers have seen an estimated 30% decline in donations from younger generations. Bank of Delmarva, along with other New York Blood Center Enterprises divisions, is working to rebuild participation among Millennials (born 1981–1996) and Generation Z (born 1997–2010) to help restore donation levels and ensure a stable blood supply for years to come.
Please call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit DelmarvaBlood.org to make an appointment to donate today and give back to your community during the winter and holiday season.