April is National Donate Life Month. Thousands of children and adults in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware are awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. Give others a second chance at life by signing up to be an organ donor. It takes less than a minute to say “Yes” to saving lives. The Gift of Life Donor Program is the nation's leading organ procurement organization coordinating more organ and tissue donors than anywhere else in the United States. Learn more about the Gift of Life Donor Program.

Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and many people have experienced new or worsened problems with alcohol consumption in the past few years. Learn more about alcohol and your health and explore substance abuse resources available to members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan on the Behavioral Health & Emotional Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Program pages.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) recently announced a blood emergency, and they desperately need people to donate blood and make appointments for the near future. The sustained loss of young and first-time donors, fewer organizations hosting blood drives, and remote and blended work schedules have a devastating impact on our local blood supply and the nation’s blood supply. There is no surplus in the nation’s blood supply to help centers that experience seasonal shortages. And there is no replacement for human blood. The blood donation process is safe – all state, federal, and FDA guidelines are strictly followed to ensure the safety of blood donors and the BBD staff. Donors must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. The limits that used to exist for tattoos, body piercing, sexual identity, and time spent in Europe have all changed, so please visit delmarvablood.org for more information and to check eligibility.

Please consider scheduling an appointment to donate today... and ask a family member, friend, or coworker to do the same. Other than a short time commitment, there is no cost to you. The blood collected supports the 19 local hospitals along the Delmarva Peninsula. To schedule an appointment, visit BBD's website or call 1-888-825-6638.