Story # 2: Blood Bank of Delmarva

As I emerge from the depths of late March and early April, I am quite thrilled to say that I finished yet another trend story for Trend Center.

In one of my earlier posts, I discussed my goals for my next assignment and how I wanted to inspire change within our community of Delmarva. Some of these goals included finding a great pitch, covering a unique trend, and making my project more appealing with appropriate B-roll to supplement my package. Looking forward, I began to conduct research on the Blood Bank of Delmarva and how they are making huge steps towards attracting and keeping younger donors.

Upon arriving at the Blood Bank located on Mt. Hermon Road, I was greeted with warmth from External Communications Specialist Christine Serio. She welcomed me with a smile and took me on a brief tour of the facility. Despite my worries of getting lost or accidentaly interrupting a blood donor session, I was able to become more acquainted with the Blood Bank as well as comfortable being around their medical equipment.

Serio explained the recent adjustments to the Membership Plan of the BBD, in response to it's 60th year anniversary. In the past, hospitals used to charge donors for procedures such as blood replacement. By being a Blood Bank members were provided coverage for medical bills by paying dues to the BBD. Now that those procedures are covered by insurance, there is no more obligation for members to pay money.Therefore, the member dues have been dropped to satisfy the needs of the donor.

While there is no longer a financial responsibility, donors are still encouraged to donate blood or platelets. Serio says that a new Members for Life rewards program is in place for all donors. This gives an opportunity for anyone to give blood and earn points to be redeemed at a future online store or for additional health benefits. Such benefits inclue cholesterol screenings, nutrition counseling and more.

Although this new plan is helping to gain more donors, the need for blood still exists. Accordnig to Serio, over 350 donors a day are needed for all 16 hospitals in the region to save the lives of over 20,000 patients per year. Even with no monetary dues, Members for Life are required to donate at least once a year and consent to be called for a blood donation at any given time when it is safe to do so.

After containing myself as I walked into the blood donor room, I came across Faye Wilson, a frequent blood donor at the Blood Bank. She had been giving blood since 2001, every since her sister had been diagnosed with cancer and was not able to donate blood. Wilson also adds that she does not necesarily need an incentive to donate blood and believes that generally most people want to come in and donate blood or platelets to help someone in need. Having a good reason to give blood makes the process more meaningful to donors of the Blood Bank.

Thinking about all of the patients who will benefit from the generosity of people like Wilson makes me happy that there are people out there who are willing to change the world. As I stated earlier, since there are no longer any fees attached to being a Member for Life, some people might come in to donate blood for a t-shirt or coffee mug. While incentives may attract more young donors, some people are donating for someone they care about. It could be a family member, friend, or relative. Or...it could be for a total stranger. That is the beauty of giving more of yourself in order for someone to live a long and prosperous life.