Bayhealth, DSU and Blood Bank of Delmarva Team Up to Present Ballin' for Blood

As central and southern Delaware’s healthcare leader, Bayhealth has teamed up with Delaware State University (DSU) Athletics and Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) to host Ballin’ for Blood. This initiative is intended to raise awareness of the importance of giving blood and to help save lives by increasing the blood supply in our local communities. It takes place on the DSU campus and is open to the public, with plenty of incentives for participating.

Ballin’ for Blood tips-off on Saturday, Feb. 26 at the DSU basketball double header against Morgan State University and ends with the Ballin' for Blood Drive on Wednesday, March 2 from 12-6 p.m. on Bayhealth Court in Memorial Hall Gym. On game day, the first 20 people who register for a time slot to give blood on March 2 are eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Bayhealth team members will be cheering on the Hornets and giving away Ballin' for Blood long sleeve t-shirts (while supplies last) and other #HereForOurHornets swag.

"When we began this partnership with Bayhealth, one of the biggest things we wanted to focus on was the impact we can make on the community in which we both serve,” said Delaware State University Director of Athletics Alecia Shields-Gadson. “With this blood drive we are doing just that. Since partnering we have been able to utilize our joint resources to educate our Delaware State University family, and surrounding communities, on all things health and best practices in those areas. Bayhealth is truly ‘Here for Our Hornets.’”

Individuals who don’t make it to the Feb. 26 game can still register to donate at the Ballin' for Blood Drive on March 2. All blood donors will receive a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card and be entered to win an Apple Watch, with additional chances to win for posting to social media about your reason for giving blood. Most importantly, each donation is making a direct impact in our community by saving up to three lives. Registration for the Ballin’ for Blood Drive is preferred, but walk-ins will be welcomed.

“During this national blood shortage, we appreciate all of our partners still hosting blood drives and that includes Bayhealth and Delaware State University’s wonderful Ballin’ for Blood initiative,” Blood Bank of Delmarva Senior Executive Director Patty Killeen said. “Bayhealth is one of our hospital partners that understands the need for blood for patients, and Delaware State University is one of our colleges that hosts blood drives during the school year. Standing with Bayhealth and Delaware State gives me hope that we’ll get through the tough winter months.”

Bayhealth is the primary healthcare provider for and proud sponsor of Delaware State University Athletics. Visit Bayhealth.info/Ballin4Blood to learn more about this initiative, or go to DelmarvaBlood.org for more information on the Blood Bank of Delmarva and other local blood drives.