Story Told by Megan Miller, Red Cross Volunteer

On December 16, 2021, Sgt. Nathan White with the Richland County Sheriff's Department was on duty when he began violently vomiting blood. Unknown to him at the time, he had several esophageal ulcers burst and was experiencing life-threatening internal bleeding. His co-workers burst into action to get him to a hospital.

"It was scary," admits Sgt. White. "As officers, we are taught to stay calm no matter what. I was able to call my boss and find someone to cover my position, but it was still pretty scary. There is nothing you can do to stop the bleeding."

Sgt. White's blood levels were so low on arrival that he needed emergency blood transfusions before he could undergo any procedures. Without the blood, the esophageal ulcers would have taken his life. His situation was critical enough to warrant four days in the ICU and six months of difficult recovery.

"I was a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts, with 43 boys in my troop. The boys and their families rallied around me by hosting and supporting local blood drives because they knew the blood I received saved my life," Sgt White said.

The importance of blood drives must be recognized, according to Sgt. White.

"The blood I received more than likely came from a blood drive. The members of my family do not have the same blood as me. Without blood drives, the lifesaving blood that people need in times of crisis would not be available."

Thankfully, Sgt. White felt the support of his community throughout his recovery process. A longtime blood donor before his life-changing event, Sgt. White pledges to continue to give blood once he is cleared to donate again."

I will be giving blood as regularly as I can. If you have the opportunity to do it, then do it. You never know whose life you are going to save."

Join Sgt. White in donating blood today. There is a critical need for donors of all blood types to donate and save lives. Schedule your blood donation appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org.