Hendrick Regional Blood Center thanks special donors with dinner

Hendrick Regional Blood Center said thank you to 220 of its most dedicated blood donors at its annual Donor Appreciation Dinner, Feb. 21. Individuals who have donated at least five gallons were honored.

“Blood donors are true heroes in our community,” said Frances Baker, donor recruiter at Hendrick Regional Blood Center. “They voluntarily donate lifesaving blood products that are vital to the healthcare system.”

This year’s honorees represented a combined total of 2,400 gallons of blood and platelets donated. That translates to 20,000 units of blood products that have been provided to patients in Abilene and the west Texas area.

During the program, a brief video was shown featuring a mother whose now-toddler received platelets when he was only a few days old after being diagnosed with a rare condition. The outcome would have been very different without blood donations.

“These donors represent community service at its finest,” said Baker. “It is an honor to recognize their commitment and dedication.”