Provo resident Gary B. Norton donates his 200th unit of whole blood on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Orem, Utah.
Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Provo’s Gary Norton to donate 200th unit of blood
When: Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at 12:45 p.m.
Where: Orem Red Cross Donation Center, 384 E. University Parkway
OREM, Utah (August 17, 2022) — In over 60 years of giving, 84-year-old Gary Norton is hitting a milestone when he donates his 200th unit on Friday, Aug. 19, at the American Red Cross of Utah Donor Center in Orem. This brings the Provo resident’s donation total to an amazing 25 gallons – with the potential to save 600 lives.
“I have been donating on and off for 60 years, and on a more regular basis for the last 40,” said Norton, a native Utahn. “I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and realized early on that one of the best ways was sharing my blood.”
Norton says he always gives whole blood, which can only be donated every 56 days. It would take someone more than 30 years donating every two months to reach 200 pints. “Each unit of whole blood that Gary has donated has the potential to save three lives,” says Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region.
The American Red Cross – which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood – has reported facing a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. The decline has caused the organization’s blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks. “The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase,” said Ruster. “The need is real and has life-and-death consequences for our community.”
In the United States, 62% of the population is eligible to give blood, but only 3% does, said Dr. Walter Kelley, Red Cross of Utah medical director. “Donating 200 units of blood over the course of someone’s life is notable and appreciated,” Dr. Kelley said. “Access to blood for transfusion is critical to hospitals’ ability to treat urgent and planned surgical procedures and chronic illnesses. There is no other way to get transfusable blood other than donations.”
Norton said he was shocked to learn only 3% of eligible donors give blood. “I am saddened that people who can donate are not seeing the vision of saving lives. When donors give blood, they could be helping family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors – locally and across the country. Every unit of blood can save someone’s life.“
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.