Blood Bank of Delmarva presents annual 'Lifesaver Award' to Delaware State Auditor

NEWARK, Del. (WPVI) -- The Blood Bank of Delmarva presented a special award on Tuesday in honor of Black History Month.

The 'Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award' was given to Delaware State Auditor Lydia York at the Christiana Donor Center in Newark.

York is the first African American woman elected to an executive office in the First State's history.

Officials say York is a committed blood donor, who has donated approximately one gallon of blood.

The 'Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award' recognizes a Blood Bank of Delmarva partner who demonstrates leadership in strengthening the blood supply and advancing awareness of the importance of diverse blood donors to meet patient needs.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Charles Richard Drew, the father of modern blood banking and the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University.

Dr. Drew's pioneering work during World War II laid the foundation for the modern blood banking system.

It continues to save lives every day.