NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware’s October 6 blood drive collected an outstanding 158 units, including 124 whole blood units and 17 double red cell units. The drive provided Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) with a much-needed boost in collections.
The campus drive in Newark, Delaware brought in an impressive 81 first-time donors thanks to the recruiting efforts of UD’s Blood Bank of Delmarva Club. UD junior Asher Kreisman took over as president of the Blood Bank of Delmarva Club this school year.
“The Blood Bank of Delmarva Club was started as a student organization at University of Delaware in order to raise awareness about blood donation, increase youth participation in blood donation, and to support the Blood Bank of Delmarva through education, outreach, and organized blood drives,” explains BBD Account Manager Gia Rivera. “It has also allowed for more marketing opportunities on campus because of this student connection.”
Blood Bank of Delmarva Vice President, Operations Kristin Frederick and Director of Donor Recruitment Joanna Arat said the blood drive was key to keeping local hospitals stocked with the blood products they need to treat patients.
“Eighty-one first-time donors is absolutely amazing!” said Joanna. “That’s over 50% of the drive. Great job, everyone!”
“We have not seen numbers like this coming out of the University of Delaware since before the pandemic,” said Kristin. “It’s always great to see so many young people getting involved with our lifesaving mission. Hopefully, we have cultivated donors for life at this amazing blood drive.”
The second blood drive of the fall semester will take place in December, when October donors will be eligible to give again.
