http://www.delmarvablood.org/archives/2009/04/mrs_delaware_international_200.html#more
Copy and Paste the link above to read an excerpt from my interview with Carrie Aiken.
The Blood Bank of Delmarva works diligently to supply Delaware/MD hospitals with the necessary donations to save lives. I encourage each of you to donate today, donate often, and donate for life!
Check out the "Are You My Type?" commercial!
Media Coverage
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Another State Lowers the Limit!
Way to go Mississippi! As of July 1, students at the age of 16 will now be able to donate blood.
From The Picayune Item - April 22, 2009
Mississippi lowering age to start blood donations
Associated Press
JACKSON — Starting this summer, a Mississippi law will lower the age at which people can start giving blood.
State law has specified that donations could start at age 17.
Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill Friday that says the voluntary blood donations can begin at 16. The bill becomes law July 1.
A minor who wants to donate blood still needs written permission from a parent or guardian.
The bill is House Bill 150.
From The Picayune Item - April 22, 2009
Mississippi lowering age to start blood donations
Associated Press
JACKSON — Starting this summer, a Mississippi law will lower the age at which people can start giving blood.
State law has specified that donations could start at age 17.
Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill Friday that says the voluntary blood donations can begin at 16. The bill becomes law July 1.
A minor who wants to donate blood still needs written permission from a parent or guardian.
The bill is House Bill 150.
Summer Blood Challenge!
Sponsored by the Blood Bank of Delmarva
Between May 26 and September 5, local companies will compete in the 7th annual Summer Blood Challenge (SBC) to recruit the most new Blood Bank members and blood donors. The SBC was designed to raise awareness of the importance of blood donations, especially during the critical summer months when fewer people typically give blood.
Companies, churches and schools account for nearly 1/2 of all donations received at blood banks. The generous donations by these organizations is well appreciated and greatly needed.
If you are in the Delmarva area and would like to participate, please visit www.bbd.org for more information. Join us for Happy Hour on May 26 to get the challenge started!
Between May 26 and September 5, local companies will compete in the 7th annual Summer Blood Challenge (SBC) to recruit the most new Blood Bank members and blood donors. The SBC was designed to raise awareness of the importance of blood donations, especially during the critical summer months when fewer people typically give blood.
Companies, churches and schools account for nearly 1/2 of all donations received at blood banks. The generous donations by these organizations is well appreciated and greatly needed.
If you are in the Delmarva area and would like to participate, please visit www.bbd.org for more information. Join us for Happy Hour on May 26 to get the challenge started!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Global News On Blood Donation
Working regionally, I am able to give a voice to a national need. This need however, is greater - it is a global need. Below are the latest headlines in the need for blood - the need does not discriminate and does not stop. Summer is on the way and more blood will be needed - NOW is a great time to donate.
Central Texas now has public cord blood donation site (USA)
Massive turnover at blood donation camp in Sec 30 (INDIA)
'Ambitious project' on blood supply (MALTA)
More blood donors needed (SINGAPORE)
The business of blood (USA - IOWA)
Facebook promotes blood donations (USA - ALABAMA)
Scotiabank launches national blood drive (JAMAICA)
Plea brings biggest ever blood donor turnout (SCOTLAND)
Meriden native donates bone marrow overseas (USA - Donation done in Germany)
You will note headlines about Cord Blood (umbilical cord donations) and Bone Marrow - both of which are also in demand along with blood/plasma and platelets. Be sure to check with your local donation centers for upcoming events.
Central Texas now has public cord blood donation site (USA)
Massive turnover at blood donation camp in Sec 30 (INDIA)
'Ambitious project' on blood supply (MALTA)
More blood donors needed (SINGAPORE)
The business of blood (USA - IOWA)
Facebook promotes blood donations (USA - ALABAMA)
Scotiabank launches national blood drive (JAMAICA)
Plea brings biggest ever blood donor turnout (SCOTLAND)
Meriden native donates bone marrow overseas (USA - Donation done in Germany)
You will note headlines about Cord Blood (umbilical cord donations) and Bone Marrow - both of which are also in demand along with blood/plasma and platelets. Be sure to check with your local donation centers for upcoming events.
Lower that Limit OHIO!
Yes, Ohio is now the latest state reviewing legislation to lower the age limit on blood donation. Hopefully, they too will pass this bill and become state #31.
FROM NBC - Columbus
By Tom Brockman
Reporter
Published: April 14, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Warmer weather is on the way, and officials say during that time, the need for donated blood will skyrocket. However, there’s new legislation at the Statehouse that could help maintain a good supply and save lives.
At the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, refrigerated units used to store donated blood are looking quite full these days. That’s a good thing. The bad thing is Michael Farley with the Red Cross says it’s almost a given they won’t stay that way for long.
“Today, we have a good supply of blood. Come summer months, when the need rises, donations go down. That’s not a good equation,“ he says. Farley says legislation currently at the Statehouse could help keep those storage units full and potentially save thousands of lives. As it stands now, no one younger than age 17 can donate blood.
If House Bill 67, Senate Bill 57 becomes law, children as young as 16 will be able donate blood as long as they have permission from their parent or guardian. Farley says if it passes, he estimates that will add at least 10,000 more donations in the first year alone in Ohio.
Each donation has the potential to save as many as three lives.
“An additional 30,000 lives could be impacted in the first year alone. If you take a lifetime, we’re talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives, could be saved,“ Farley says. A blood drive was held at the Wellington School in Upper Arlington Tuesday.
Sixteen-year-old Abbe Kaplan came to support a friend who donated. She says she would have donated herself, if she legally could.
“There’s nothing that would stop us from giving blood. If we’re just as eligible as everyone else, I know of a lot of friends I think that would as well,“ she says.
The bill has passed the House and is now in the state Senate for consideration.
NBC 4 spoke with Doctor Bill Cotton with Nationwide Children’s Hospital about this proposal. He says he doesn’t believe there is any risk involved with lowering the age under the plans, considering the American Red Cross screens all potential donors.
He agrees the change would increase the supply.
FROM NBC - Columbus
By Tom Brockman
Reporter
Published: April 14, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Warmer weather is on the way, and officials say during that time, the need for donated blood will skyrocket. However, there’s new legislation at the Statehouse that could help maintain a good supply and save lives.
At the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, refrigerated units used to store donated blood are looking quite full these days. That’s a good thing. The bad thing is Michael Farley with the Red Cross says it’s almost a given they won’t stay that way for long.
“Today, we have a good supply of blood. Come summer months, when the need rises, donations go down. That’s not a good equation,“ he says. Farley says legislation currently at the Statehouse could help keep those storage units full and potentially save thousands of lives. As it stands now, no one younger than age 17 can donate blood.
If House Bill 67, Senate Bill 57 becomes law, children as young as 16 will be able donate blood as long as they have permission from their parent or guardian. Farley says if it passes, he estimates that will add at least 10,000 more donations in the first year alone in Ohio.
Each donation has the potential to save as many as three lives.
“An additional 30,000 lives could be impacted in the first year alone. If you take a lifetime, we’re talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives, could be saved,“ Farley says. A blood drive was held at the Wellington School in Upper Arlington Tuesday.
Sixteen-year-old Abbe Kaplan came to support a friend who donated. She says she would have donated herself, if she legally could.
“There’s nothing that would stop us from giving blood. If we’re just as eligible as everyone else, I know of a lot of friends I think that would as well,“ she says.
The bill has passed the House and is now in the state Senate for consideration.
NBC 4 spoke with Doctor Bill Cotton with Nationwide Children’s Hospital about this proposal. He says he doesn’t believe there is any risk involved with lowering the age under the plans, considering the American Red Cross screens all potential donors.
He agrees the change would increase the supply.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Why Donate and Who Needs Blood?
There is but one reason to donate blood: To Save Lives. That's simple.
But the who needs it - is not so simple. There are the obvious reasons, surgery, emergencies, etc... But did you know that individuals with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) may need to have a transfusion once a month? or those with Sickle Cell Anemia, just as often? Leukemia, Cancer, Diabetes, pre-mature babies or those with severe/acute Iron Deficiency Anemia, like myself, may need YOUR blood just to survive. (Truthfully, the list goes on) There are a vast array of reasons that your blood is needed, but do you take the time to donate?
In actuality, it takes donors approximately 1 hour from start to finish in order to donate a pint of blood. That pint can save THREE lives. That 1 hour includes your paperwork, quick physical/questionnaire, donation and a snack.
Donating blood can include the plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. All of which can be donated at different intervals and are stored for individual periods of time (red blood cells are stored for 42 days, platelets for 5 days). Be sure to check with your local blood banks to determine the appropriate cycle for you.
But the who needs it - is not so simple. There are the obvious reasons, surgery, emergencies, etc... But did you know that individuals with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) may need to have a transfusion once a month? or those with Sickle Cell Anemia, just as often? Leukemia, Cancer, Diabetes, pre-mature babies or those with severe/acute Iron Deficiency Anemia, like myself, may need YOUR blood just to survive. (Truthfully, the list goes on) There are a vast array of reasons that your blood is needed, but do you take the time to donate?
In actuality, it takes donors approximately 1 hour from start to finish in order to donate a pint of blood. That pint can save THREE lives. That 1 hour includes your paperwork, quick physical/questionnaire, donation and a snack.
Donating blood can include the plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. All of which can be donated at different intervals and are stored for individual periods of time (red blood cells are stored for 42 days, platelets for 5 days). Be sure to check with your local blood banks to determine the appropriate cycle for you.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Open Debate: Should this FDA Ruling Stand?
The FDA currently has a policy that states “Men who have had sex with other men, at any time since 1977 are currently deferred as blood donors.” This means that a male who has had sex with another male even one time since 1977 is banned for life from donating blood. This policy was written in 1983, Twenty-five years later this policy is not only medically and scientifically unwarranted, it is also discriminatory.
The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and the American Red Cross (ARC) have stated that the lifetime ban for men who have sex with men "is medically and scientifically unwarranted" and that "it does not appear rational to broadly differentiate sexual transmission via male-to-male sexual activity from that via heterosexual activity on scientific grounds”.
A gay man who has consistently tested negative for HIV and who has had only one protected sexual encounter with another man can never donate blood. However, a heterosexual man who has engaged in high-risk sexual activity (visited prostitutes) or has had intercourse with an HIV positive individual is only banned/ deferred for 1year.
On February 21st 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona upward of 100 otherwise eligible healthy blood donors, HIV-, Hepatitis B- and Hepatitis C- men asked to give blood and save up to three lives each. Based on the current policy they were denied the ability to donate. A second blood drive will take place in cities across the nation 91 days from the first blood drive, on May 23rd 2009.
On May 23rd 2009 thousands of lives can be saved across the country. Through dialog and the sharing of scientific data in collaboration with American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and the American Red Cross (ARC), we will be able to work with the FDA to create a new policy may be put into place that is not discriminatory against a group of people.
What is your opinion on this topic? Blood screening is extensive once donated blood is received - and while there are never guarantees and prior to receiving any blood, you sign waivers and are informed of the risks involved. Let's hear your thoughts!
The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and the American Red Cross (ARC) have stated that the lifetime ban for men who have sex with men "is medically and scientifically unwarranted" and that "it does not appear rational to broadly differentiate sexual transmission via male-to-male sexual activity from that via heterosexual activity on scientific grounds”.
A gay man who has consistently tested negative for HIV and who has had only one protected sexual encounter with another man can never donate blood. However, a heterosexual man who has engaged in high-risk sexual activity (visited prostitutes) or has had intercourse with an HIV positive individual is only banned/ deferred for 1year.
On February 21st 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona upward of 100 otherwise eligible healthy blood donors, HIV-, Hepatitis B- and Hepatitis C- men asked to give blood and save up to three lives each. Based on the current policy they were denied the ability to donate. A second blood drive will take place in cities across the nation 91 days from the first blood drive, on May 23rd 2009.
On May 23rd 2009 thousands of lives can be saved across the country. Through dialog and the sharing of scientific data in collaboration with American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and the American Red Cross (ARC), we will be able to work with the FDA to create a new policy may be put into place that is not discriminatory against a group of people.
What is your opinion on this topic? Blood screening is extensive once donated blood is received - and while there are never guarantees and prior to receiving any blood, you sign waivers and are informed of the risks involved. Let's hear your thoughts!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Blood Donor Legislation: Lower the Age Limit
28 States currently support blood donation by donors as young at 16.
On March 19, 2009, Colorado became the 29th state. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed legislation to allow 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent.
Approximately 10 percent of the nation’s blood supply is donated by high school-aged donors. Those states which have passed similar legislation have experienced up to a 35 percent increase in high school blood drive participation. Estimates are that 16-year-olds will contribute as many as 2,600 blood donations to the state’s blood supply annually, when the blood center begins collecting donations from the group this fall.
Youth donors are an important part of our blood donation program. This new legislation gives us the opportunity to foster the development of a selfless habit that will contribute to a solid blood donor base for our future.
Several other states are currently reviewing legislation to lower the age limit from 17 to 16 - find out your state's age limits and see how you can help!
On March 19, 2009, Colorado became the 29th state. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed legislation to allow 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent.
Approximately 10 percent of the nation’s blood supply is donated by high school-aged donors. Those states which have passed similar legislation have experienced up to a 35 percent increase in high school blood drive participation. Estimates are that 16-year-olds will contribute as many as 2,600 blood donations to the state’s blood supply annually, when the blood center begins collecting donations from the group this fall.
Youth donors are an important part of our blood donation program. This new legislation gives us the opportunity to foster the development of a selfless habit that will contribute to a solid blood donor base for our future.
Several other states are currently reviewing legislation to lower the age limit from 17 to 16 - find out your state's age limits and see how you can help!
MD International Pageant
Well, this past weekend was another fun adventure in the world of pageantry!
I traveled over to Kent Island to see the MD International Pageant (Mrs./Teen/Pre-teen). Once again, Sherry Benson put on a fantastic show and all of the ladies did a fantastic job and the winners are certainly talented and beautiful.
There are a few photos - I had the opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, and even catch up on the latest news. Clay and Joey were wonderful to visit with and the very stylish Ginny Meerman and I seemed to draw from the same closet that night, just too funny! ~ Cheering on Deanna Linz along with Laura Price and Nikki Karl was just another treat of the day.
I also had the opportunity to finally meet Laine Berry, Mrs. International 2008. Laine and I have spoken and/or corresponded throughout the last year or more but had not had an opportunity to meet. She is just as beautiful and warm in person as she is in photos.
Enjoy the pictures from the evening!
I traveled over to Kent Island to see the MD International Pageant (Mrs./Teen/Pre-teen). Once again, Sherry Benson put on a fantastic show and all of the ladies did a fantastic job and the winners are certainly talented and beautiful.
There are a few photos - I had the opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, and even catch up on the latest news. Clay and Joey were wonderful to visit with and the very stylish Ginny Meerman and I seemed to draw from the same closet that night, just too funny! ~ Cheering on Deanna Linz along with Laura Price and Nikki Karl was just another treat of the day.
I also had the opportunity to finally meet Laine Berry, Mrs. International 2008. Laine and I have spoken and/or corresponded throughout the last year or more but had not had an opportunity to meet. She is just as beautiful and warm in person as she is in photos.
Enjoy the pictures from the evening!
WV International Pageant
The weekend of March 21, I had the opportunity to act as the Contestant Coordinator for the WV International Pageant. I love all things pageantry and this was certainly a fun adventure. It was a pleasure to get to know all of the contestants - from young to mature (notice, I didn't say old!!).
All of the ladies were wonderful to work with and each presented unique talents to the competitive stage. It was fun to see familiar faces and welcome new friends. I wish all of the new winners the best as they embark upon a year of dreams!
Being so busy, I didn't get to snap many photos, but here are a few of the friendly faces that I had the pleasure of seeing - including the wonderful Amy Martin, Mrs. WV International 2008 - I was so glad to see her again!
Thank you to Leigh Farmer for giving me the opportunity to assist and to Choskie and crew - fabulous show!
All of the ladies were wonderful to work with and each presented unique talents to the competitive stage. It was fun to see familiar faces and welcome new friends. I wish all of the new winners the best as they embark upon a year of dreams!
Being so busy, I didn't get to snap many photos, but here are a few of the friendly faces that I had the pleasure of seeing - including the wonderful Amy Martin, Mrs. WV International 2008 - I was so glad to see her again!
Thank you to Leigh Farmer for giving me the opportunity to assist and to Choskie and crew - fabulous show!
Celebrating 60 Years of Service
For 60 years, Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore has been a trusted expert in providing exceptional services to help people with disabilities gain greater independence throughout their lifetime.
On April 22 I have the privilege of sharing some time and speaking with members of the Adult Day program at the Georgetown, DE, location. I am so excited by this opportunity to share and to learn - I always find that at I walk away with a deeper appreciation for small blessings and a greater understanding of the many facets of low self-esteem.
Encouragement and support must go out to everyone, and this is a wonderful opportunity to share.
Going for a Run?
Lots of events coming up that I am attending or participating in, one in particular I'd love to share with you - and of course, even better if you opted to participate! I'm not the runner of sorts, but the benefactors of the Delaware Marathon include the YMCA of Delaware and the Kids with Confidence program. Both worthwhile causes where children are the recepients of your generosity.
This is a 4-person team relay marathon, the likes of which I haven't seen before, and it will have a new course this year that will certainly challenge those of you that do run.
I encourage those that can, to participate to support the worthy causes and to further promote healthy living. I will certainly be cheering for everyone!
(Visit the link to the right for more information)
This is a 4-person team relay marathon, the likes of which I haven't seen before, and it will have a new course this year that will certainly challenge those of you that do run. I encourage those that can, to participate to support the worthy causes and to further promote healthy living. I will certainly be cheering for everyone!
(Visit the link to the right for more information)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Educating Deferred Blood Donors
Of the roughly one million monthly blood donors in the United States, about 10% are deferred from donating because their hematocrit level falls below the FDA-mandated threshold of 38%. This deferral may be the first time donors discover that they haev Anemia or are considered boderline Anemic.
To help educate those individuals about low hematocrit levels, the NAAC has published the Anemia & Blood Donation online tutorial. (Visit the NAAC link to the right)
Many times, deferred donors are not aware that it is important to discuss a low hematocrit with their doctor. Close communication with them about medication, symptoms, and hematocrit levels will help develop the best plan of action to prevent or treat anemia.
Even though Anemia and its causes can often be treated, catching anemia before its symptoms get you down can mean a world of difference - especially for patients with existing conditions. If you haven't had an annual physical, I recommend you have one as soon as possible. It could save your life.
(information contained within from the NAAC Anemia Watch & Anemia Alert)
To help educate those individuals about low hematocrit levels, the NAAC has published the Anemia & Blood Donation online tutorial. (Visit the NAAC link to the right)
Many times, deferred donors are not aware that it is important to discuss a low hematocrit with their doctor. Close communication with them about medication, symptoms, and hematocrit levels will help develop the best plan of action to prevent or treat anemia.
Even though Anemia and its causes can often be treated, catching anemia before its symptoms get you down can mean a world of difference - especially for patients with existing conditions. If you haven't had an annual physical, I recommend you have one as soon as possible. It could save your life.
(information contained within from the NAAC Anemia Watch & Anemia Alert)
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