While the nation is facing a critical shortage in blood supply, one man stopped at the Idaho Falls Red Cross Donation Center Monday as part of his goal to donate blood and platelets in all 50 states.
Vinton Smith, of Gettysburg, Pa., said Idaho is the 47th state where he has donated blood and the 22nd state where he has given platelets.
“I grew up watching my dad give blood about every two months, and that inspired me when I was in high school to go give blood,” Smith said. “Later that year, I went off to college, and I would give regularly in college. … I grew up seeing … my parents both really doing a lot to serve and help others in the community, so that’s inspired me to give blood.”
In 2008, Smith accepted employment that required him to travel as a dairy sales representative for Elanco promoting animal health products.
“I wasn’t able to give blood at the local fire hall on the third Monday of every other month,” Smith said. “I was out of town, and I thought, ‘Well gosh, now what am I going to do? I have to give that day.’ I said, ‘Actually, I’m going to be in Florida. I’ll just figure out where I can give blood in Florida.’”
After three years, he had given blood in 16 different states and decided to set the goal to donate in all 50 states. Today, only Nevada, Alaska and Hawaii are remaining.
He said, with a few exceptions, he gives every two months, knowing that every donation can help save multiple lives.
His and others’ donations are coming at a critical time.
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