Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) and New York Blood Center (NYBC), both community-based, nonprofit blood centers, announced today that they are merging their operations to create one of the leading blood centers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

The new partnership brings together the complementary strengths of BBD and NYBC to deliver a broad range of blood banking expertise that will position both organizations to deliver next generation blood banking innovations. The merger will position BBD to better serve its hospital network, expand its laboratory testing services and create opportunities to participate in significant blood research projects operated by NYBC.

“This is an exceptional moment for our companies and the communities we serve,” said BBD CEO John Ferretti. “In today’s increasingly challenging and evolving blood banking environment it is imperative that like-minded organizations work together to improve access to safe blood products. This merger will ensure BBD’s long-term success in a challenging healthcare environment.”

Day-to-day operations at the companies will not be impacted. BBD will continue to operate under its own name and will continue to serve customers in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and elsewhere. Mr. Ferretti will continue as CEO of BBD. BBD’s blood donors and volunteers will continue to receive the same service they’ve come to expect from the organization, while hospital customers will have access to a broader portfolio of blood products and services.

Christopher D. Hillyer, M.D., President and CEO of NYBC, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be partnering with such an excellent blood center. NYBC and BBD have a remarkable alignment of mission, vision and talent. We look forward to working together to ensure the finest customer-focused service for our hospitals and patients. We welcome BBD  to the NYBC family.” With this merger Dr. Hillyer will become President of BBD.

NYBC is renowned for its comprehensive, sophisticated research and product development capabilities. This will allow BBD to offer new services, skills and products throughout its service area, including immunohematology and cellular therapy lab services that BBD currently does not offer.

The long term goal of both organizations is to identify opportunities for collaboration as we move forward.