By Damakant Jayshi, Communications/Public Affairs Volunteer 

When Hal Schlenger donated blood for the 163rd time on August 21, 2025, he was adding yet another chapter to a journey that began nearly half a century ago. Earlier this year, in February, the Marietta resident reached a remarkable milestone: 20 gallons of blood donated to the American Red Cross. It’s a testament to one man’s unwavering commitment to saving lives, one pint at a time.

For Schlenger, managing director of Great South Benefits Group and a longtime Rotary Club member, giving blood is rooted in memories. “I have a childhood memory of my parents donating blood annually,” he recalls. At the time, insurance policies didn’t always cover the cost of blood products. Donating blood meant access to those products when needed. “That early recollection provided a foundational thought: we need to help others in our community, even though we don’t know who the people are who we’re helping,” he says in a recent interview.

His faith deepened that commitment. “My religion’s interpretation of a charitable donation that you get no direct benefit (except the cookies) is considered extremely honorable,” he explains.

Schlenger’s first donation came in 1979 at Syracuse University. “Being an invincible male college student, there was little to remember,” he says with a laugh. Since then, he has continued steadily – and sometimes in leadership roles – to make blood donation part of his life of service. In 2019, Schlenger took charge of the Roswell Rotary Club’s blood drives after the previous organizer moved away. With help from community partners like Variant Brewing and Gate City Brewing Company, he expanded a creative “pint for a pint” promotion. The drives, now held five times a year, have collected more than 750 pints of blood! “That’s more than 10 pony kegs of beer,” he says proudly.

Rotary International’s motto, Service Above Self, resonates deeply with him. “It beautifully describes choices we make several times each year about what to do with our gift of good health,” he adds.

But Schlenger also believes more people could join in. “I believe our neighbors are generally willing to donate blood if eligible; they just need a personal invitation to prioritize it during ever increasing busy family, work and leisure time schedules.”

What keeps him motivated? For Schlenger, blood donation transcends politics and division. “Americans’ kindness and caring for others is stronger than any political divide,” he says. “When we understand the need, and how easy it is to donate – hydrate and have a meal before donating – it can become a habit. It’s a habit that makes you a better, healthier person in any community you live and serve in.”

He has a simple message for anyone who has never donated: “We have been given the gift of good health and are able to donate blood, so we have a responsibility to use our gift appropriately. Much as police and firefighters use their gifts to protect our community, this is a far safer way to do something for our community. It’s not pressuring someone to donate; instead, it’s giving them the opportunity to use their gift.”

Schlenger is quick to share credit. He thanks his wife Alison, “who continues to be my inspiration and guardrails in life,” and his Rotary “Bloodsucker” partner, Darrell Bartlett, for his “continued friendship and leadership.” Alison herself is also a dedicated donor, having already given over five gallons of blood.

For Hal Schlenger, 20 gallons of blood donated is not just a milestone; it’s a reminder of a lifelong habit that saves lives and strengthens communities.

To make a donation, simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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.