Blood Bank of Delmarva teams up with environmental group to combat climate change, address blood shortage
DOVER, Del. – Amid a blood emergency, the Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is partnering with an environmental group to grow their supply and combat climate change by planting trees.
Currently, BBD’s blood supply stands at a 1-3 day level. This marks the second blood emergency in 75 days, and the fifth overall in 2022. Generally, officials like to see the supply stand at a 5-7 day level, but that hasn’t been the case on Delmarva for more 30 months.
As a result of the blood shortage, BBD has partnered with Forestmatic, an environmental group, to incentivize residents to donate blood by fighting climate change. One tree will be planted per donor in Uganda, a country that has saw devastating deforestation. The partnership will help in reforestation efforts as part of a global effort to combat climate change.
“If we can get 2,500 donors to come in and see us, that’ll do our part to plant 150,000 trees in Uganda,” explained Tony Prado with BBD. “How it works is, those signing up to give will receive a Forestmatic ID code to track the progress of the tree planted in their name.”
The new, unique initiative will run from October 26th through November 9th. Blood Bank officials are hopeful this effort helps address their blood shortage emergency in addition to the positive impact it will make in Africa.
“All we’re asking for is for people to set aside one hour of their time and help out the community, not just locally, but globally,” Prado emphasized.
During the campaign, BBD hopes to welcome enough donors to plant 2,500 trees. BBD is part of a larger national campaign that will see the planting of 150,000 trees in Uganda. This campaign is part of an effort to attract younger donors.
According to America’s Blood Centers, from 2017-2019 there was a 10% decrease in donations from those 16-18 years old. That percentage jumps to 15 percent for those between 19-24 years old. These alarming statistics showcase the importance of building the lifesaving habit of blood donation at a young age. School blood drives are an important part of recruiting young donors, however many schools have not hosted these life-saving events since the start of the pandemic.
“We are asking current and new donors to help us stabilize the blood supply and help the environment simultaneously,” said Nicole Pineault, Director of Donor Resources for Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Give blood, plant trees and save lives in more ways than one. This is a win-win for all involved.”
Donors will be given a unique Forestmatic ID code at the time of donation. This code will allow the donor to track the progress of the tree planted in your name.
To make an appointment call 888.8.BLOOD.8, visit delmarvablood.org.
