DOVER — For the second consecutive year, Bayhealth is teaming up with Blood Bank of Delmarva and Delaware State University Athletics to host the Ballin’ for Blood Drive on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

The blood drive is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. on Bayhealth Court in Memorial Hall Gym on the main DSU campus.

Bayhealth will be cheering on the Hornets and encouraging fans to register for the Ballin’ for Blood Drive during the Hornets’ basketball doubleheader against Morgan State University on Saturday, Jan. 28. The first game begins at 2 p.m. 

Bayhealth is the primary healthcare provider for DSU Athletics and long-time partner of BBD who supplies blood to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus and Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus.

The goal of Ballin’ for Blood is to raise awareness of the importance of a stable and diverse blood supply and to ultimately save lives by filling 50 donation appointments. 

"The Ballin’ for Blood Drive is an excellent example of the power of community partnerships and how our combined efforts can positively impact the lives of those we serve,” said Bayhealth President and CEO Terry Murphy, FACHE. “Our care teams rely on these blood donations to save lives every day.” 

The drive also coincides with the start of Black History month. During this time, BBD will work closely with the community partners to increase African American donors. DSU, a historically black college, will play a large role in those efforts. Right now, about 5% of BBD’s donors are African American, but they make up about 22% of the state’s population.  

“Delaware State Athletics is proud to once again partner with Bayhealth and Blood Bank of Delmarva to raise awareness of the importance of a stable blood supply and to help save countless lives throughout our community and beyond,” said Hornets’ Director of Athletics Alecia Shields-Gadson.

“Our partnership with Bayhealth is all about utilizing our joint resources to inform and educate the University family and community at large on all things health and wellness, and this blood drive is a critical part of that mission. Bayhealth is truly ‘Here for Our Hornets.’”  

BBD Director of Donor Resources Nicole Pineault said, “We hope that the Bayhealth and DSU partnership provides the community with a reminder on the importance of a diverse blood supply. Donating blood is a great way to give back to your community and you will help save up to three lives.” 

Last year, the Ballin’ for Blood Drive brought in 33 units. Most of the donors were DSU students and staff, local residents, and Bayhealth employees and volunteers. 

For more information or to register, visit Bayhealth.org/B4B. All donors will receive a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card and the chance to win a $500 gift card.