KCRA 3 is teaming up with Vitalant for the annual Blood Drive for Life, which this year is taking place on Jan. 5-8 across two locations in Rocklin and Sacramento.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting donations. Vitalant has seen 92,000 fewer donors in recent years, compared to pre-pandemic periods.
One man helping meet the need has donated 2,800 times. Gary Myers has been donating plasma for years. He has motivated his family to do the same. His son and daughter have each donated hundreds of times.
Myers said he first started donating in college. Today, he’s somewhat of a legend at Vitalant.
“People asked me why I donate and I go, because I can. And it’s really not a lot more than that. The blood supply is needed. And it’s something I can do,” Myers said.
Myers has donated 350 gallons of blood products. Officials say he may have saved thousands of lives. He has pledged to keep donating as long as he can.
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