DOVER — Delaware State University’s athletic programs and Bayhealth have teamed up to raise awareness of the importance of donating blood.

A new campaign, “Ballin’ for Blood” will tip off Saturday, Feb. 26 at Delaware State’s basketball doubleheader against Morgan State University beginning at 2 p.m. It will end with the Ballin’ for Blood Drive on Wednesday, March 2 at DSU’s Memorial Hall from noon to 6 p.m.

Bayhealth said the initiative will help save lives by increasing the blood supply in local communities. All events on the DSU campus are open to the public and there will be plenty of incentives for participating.

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 in attendance, cheering on the Hornets and giving away Ballin’ for Blood long sleeve T-shirts (while supplies last) and other #HereForOurHornets attire.

“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,” DSU athletic director Alecia Shields-Gadson said.

“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 are not able to make it to the game on Feb. 26 can still register to donate at the Ballin’ for Blood Drive on March 2. Registration for the Ballin’ for Blood Drive is preferred, but walk-ins will be welcomed.

A sign-up sheet is available here.

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 their reason for giving blood. Bayhealth said each donation will make a direct impact by saving up to three lives.

Individuals must follow through with their donation to be eligible to win prizes.

“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.”

A list of other local blood drives is available here.