DOVER, Del. – In partnership with Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD), State Senator Nicole Poore and State Representative Sophie Phillips successfully passed the Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizing National Blood Donor Month in the State of Delaware, with unanimous votes in both the Delaware Senate and the House of Representatives, on Thursday, January 29.
Senator Poore, the primary sponsor, and Representative Phillips, the co-sponsor, hosted a blood drive that drew 13 units on the same day in front of Legislative Hall in the capital district of Dover. For Sen. Poore, donating blood has become a regular routine with BBD, ever since she first donated with the Charity Crossing Blood Drive in 2022 and found out how valuable her O-positive blood is.
“For every donation, three lives are saved, and we have made great changes in the state of Delaware by the donations that have been given to help victims of tragedy,” said Sen. Poore. “Our EMS services are showing up and giving blood before people get to the hospital. That’s saving lives.”
Today, the Delaware State Police Aviation Section, New Castle County EMS, Kent County EMS, and Sussex County EMS paramedics all carry prehospital whole blood statewide, allowing critically ill patients to receive lifesaving transfusion in the field, before they even get to the hospital.
Rep. Phillips appreciates how valuable her O-negative blood is.
“If you can, donating blood is something you should consider,” Rep. Phillips said. “There is currently a shortage, which means donations are essential. Donating at a blood drive creates a social atmosphere that makes the experience exciting and meaningful,” she added.
Sen. Poore and Rep. Phillips presented to donate blood at Legislative Hall on January 29, along with State Representative Lyndon Yearick, his 100th donation with BBD, State Senator Russ Huxtable and State Representative Jeffrey Spiegelman. The legislators were also joined by First Lady Dr. Lauren Meyer, who presented to donate for the second straight year at Legislative Hall to show support for National Blood Donor Month in the First State!
The Senate Concurrent Resolution recognized National Blood Donor Month, the fact that BBD has served the state for 71 years, the importance of O-positive blood carried by paramedics, O-negative blood used in hospital trauma centers, and the fact that cancer patients, accident victims, burn victims, newborn babies and their mothers, and surgery patients need blood of all types regularly, among other things.
“Without warning, anyone could need a blood transfusion,” said BBD Vice President Kristin Frederick, who attended the legislation session with a contingent from BBD. “This time of year brings added challenges like holiday travel, seasonal illness, and winter weather, which can significantly reduce donations while patient demand remains the same, if not higher. Thank you, Senator Nicole Poore and Representative Sophie Phillips for celebrating National Blood Donor Month with Blood Bank of Delmarva.”
