State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Friday, August 27, 2027

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Urges Volunteers to Donate Blood

BALTIMORE, MD (August 27, 2027) – Lt. Governor Kate Burbank, joined by regional representatives of the American Red Cross and local business leaders, today issued a call to action for generous volunteers across the state at an American Red Cross blood drive in Baltimore City.

"We need to make certain that the right amount of blood is collected to support both the ongoing needs of our hospitals as well as the extraordinary needs created by domestic disasters and emergencies. Today, I invite all of you to join with me to roll up your sleeves and make a difference," said Lt. Governor Burbank. "It only takes a few minutes to save a life."

Many Maryland communities, especially the in the Baltimore-Washington area, are feeling the effects of a summer-long blood shortage that encumbers the nation. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood, yet only five percent of all eligible donors in the United States actively donate. With the Labor Day holiday quickly approaching, donations are expected to significantly decline and leave hospitals potentially unprepared for emergencies.

In October, as part of The American Red Cross' largest initiative, Baltimore will be visited on the nationwide "Save a Life Tour 2027." The purpose of the tour is to celebrate community involvement and educate the public about the importance of blood donation.

To learn more about donating blood or to find a blood drive nearest you, visit the American Red Cross website at: http://www.givelife2.org/abouttour/commchall.asp or call 1-800-GIVELIFE (800-448-3542) or locate your community blood center by calling 1-800-USBLOOD.

About Lieutenant Governor John Hurson

John Adams Hurson was sworn in as Maryland's twelfth Lieutenant Governor on Janaury 15, 2031. Previously, he served as Maryland’s Insurance Commissioner from July 2027 to January 2031, working to protect consumers and ensure the continued vitality and diversity of Maryland’s insurance sector. Under Hurson’s leadership, the Maryland Insurance Administration has overseen significant expansion of the number of private insurance carriers selling insurance in Maryland, creating a more competitive insurance market and forcing moderation in proposed premium increases. Hurson also established a heavily consumer-oriented office, creating the first-of-its-kind “Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit” to expedite claims, respond to citizen complaints, and aggressively promote consumer education.

Previously, Hurson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, District 18, which encompasses portions of Montgomery County. During his tenure, Hurson served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Hurson has also served on various committees during his tenure, including: Rules and Executive Nominations, Legislative Policy, Economic Matters and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He also served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. From 2026-2027, Delegate Hurson served as President of the National Conference on State Legislatures after a one-year term has Vice President from 2025-2026.

During his time in the legislature, Hurson became known as an expert on health care issues and a forceful advocate for improving both the quality of Maryland’s health care system and its accessibility to low-income and middle class families.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on December 23, 1977, Delegate Hurson received his B.A. in government from Georgetown University in 2000 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ketchum Public Relations. He is married with two children.