99 Reasons to Give: BCBSTX Employees Roll Up Their Sleeves for Lifesaving Blood Drive

99 Reasons to Give: BCBSTX Employees Roll Up Their Sleeves for Lifesaving Blood Drive

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood or platelets, according to the American Red Cross. It could be a stranger, friend, neighbor or you. By the time you finish reading this sentence, about five more people will need blood donations.

The need is constant for patients having surgery, battling cancer or managing chronic illnesses, and donors can help. Employees at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas are making life-saving impacts by participating in blood drives at our offices across the state.

"The American Red Cross is proud to stand alongside Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas in a partnership that goes far beyond blood drives. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient blood supply that gives hope to patients facing cancer, trauma, and chronic illness every day," says Ariane Einecker, Chief Development Officer of the North Texas Region American Red Cross.

During BCBSTX's fall blood drive, 99 donors at Richardson headquarters rolled up their sleeves and gave 89 units of blood, making a measurable impact one donation at a time. One unit of blood can save up to three lives, making blood donation one of the most direct ways to make a difference in the community. Ninety-nine donors. Ninety-nine reasons to give. Up to 267 lives saved.

BCBSTX Community Relations Manager Karen Travit was among the donors at the company's fall blood drive.

Of the 99 donors, 43 employees were first-time blood donors. Six employees, four of which were first-timers, signed up for Power Red donation, which uses a special machine to take two units of red blood cells during one donation. Two units for twice the impact, compared to regular blood donation. Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S. The average red blood cell transfusion is close to three units.

Five BCBSTX employees also reached the gallon donor milestone. Bennett Hobson, a Power Red donor, has given blood since middle school, beginning as a way to get out of football practice. It's turned into a 25-year obligation.

"During one of those (middle school) blood drives, there was a nurse that took the time and effort to explain to me how important and helpful my O- blood is to others. It really resonated with me and stuck with me ever since," Hobson says. "I feel like I have always been someone that likes to give back to others and help however I can, but ever since then, I feel like I have an obligation to donate now. So, whenever I get a chance to donate, I'll take it."

Hobson feels proud to work somewhere that helps bring awareness around the low blood supply, and can't believe he's given a gallon's worth of blood since starting at BCBSTX. He encourages fellow employees to join him at the next blood drive.

"Don't be afraid to donate. One donation has the power to positively change so many lives," Hobson says. "One hour of your day, once or twice a year, can give a lifetime to others."

Three BCBSTX employee donors were CEK donors, a high-demand blood group for people suffering from sickle cell disease, affecting more than 100,000 people nationwide. It's an often-invisible condition disproportionately impacting people of African descent. Patients with sickle cell disease may rely on blood transfusions throughout their lives to prevent complications like organ and tissue damage, severe pain and strokes. Frequent transfusions can make finding compatible blood types more difficult and can lead to severe complications.

"In true Texas fashion, BCBSTX is helping to lead the way, not just responding to the constant need for blood, but anticipating it and ensuring we are ready," Einecker says. "That leadership makes a difference not only for families here in North Texas, but for patients across the nation who rely on the generosity of Texans to sustain them in their most critical moments."

Community Relations Manager Karen Travit understands the significance of being a blood donor. After three years on dialysis, her father at age 70 underwent a kidney transplant, giving him 11 more years with his family. Travit's brother spent 10 years on dialysis before getting his kidney transplant at age 40, and he's going strong 18 years later. Travit's 33-year-old nephew is undergoing dialysis, waiting for a kidney transplant.

"My family and I recognize the critical role of being donors, having benefited from two African American families' generous contributions," Travit says.

One in three Black blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. After Travit learned she was a match, she knew it was an opportunity for her to give back, just as those families did for hers.

"As part of a transplant family, I deeply understand the necessity for African Americans to participate as donors and the need to educate people of color of the importance of being a donor of all needed organs," Travit says.