January’s bitter cold snap kept many of us bundled up inside as plans that required leaving the comfort of a heated home dropped almost as quickly as the temperatures themselves. But blood recipients can’t wait out winter – blood donations must continue, especially amidst an emergency blood shortage. In January, weather conditions caused nearly 15,000 blood products to go uncollected nationwide.

Fortunately, subzero conditions couldn’t keep blood donors in Missoula from their scheduled appointments. One of those undeterred by the wrath of old man winter was Misty Warner, whose cheerful personality carried a warmth of its own.

“OK, hook me up!” she exclaimed inside, dropping herself into the donor chair.

Misty is familiar with the American Red Cross donor center, having worked at the Missoula location as a phlebotomist years ago following cutbacks at a local lumber mill.

“I took a voluntary layoff because half the mill shut down,” she said. “So, I couldn't find a job.”

What began as an unexpected turn would restart her donor journey years later. After working at the Red Cross, Misty enlisted in the Army and deployed to Germany. That time spent serving overseas put Misty at potential risk of contracting and spreading Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, or vCJD, making her ineligible to donate blood upon her return home.

But in 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its guidance related to international travel related to vCJD, allowing the Red Cross to accept donations from people who couldn’t previously give, including Misty.

“So, as soon as they lifted that, I was able to come in and start donating,” she said.

Since then, Misty has given blood and platelets as often as she can. Unable to donate for more than a decade, the Missoula resident now believes each opportunity is a privilege.

“I try to come in once a month,” she said, pointing to a stress ball in the shape of a cat. “I even have my own
squeezy thingy!”

Health concerns, regardless of the kind, can have a profound impact on our lives. Since Misty became newly eligible to donate blood, she’s hoped her donations reduce other uncertainties hospitals currently face – like a potential shortage of lifesaving blood products.

“If you donate, you're healthy enough. And there's so many people out there that aren't healthy enough,” she said. “So, it's like you get to do this, you're able to do this. And that alone is an amazing thing.”

She urges first-time donors who are thinking of signing up for a drive to start by giving a whole blood donation
before giving a platelet donation  because the process is quicker.

“It’s still helping. It’s not as time-consuming -- but, you don’t get the warm blankets,” she joked.

While blood donors won’t have time to get as cozy in the donor chair, since a blood donation lasts only about 10 minutes, they’ll still speak with the same skilled phlebotomists, who are experts in creating consistent and comfortable experiences. It’s a seemingly
small gesture that could have a potentially lifesaving impact on hospitals, which depend on a steady supply of blood from returning donors.

Needles and medical equipment may be intimidating, but Misty says donating is worth the try and encourages people who may be weary to trust the process.

“Once you get all hooked up, it’s just warm blankets and Netflix,” she said with another big grin.

Soon, the Missoula resident is all hooked up, tucked in and ready to watch her show while donating platelets.
Helping save lives never looked more comfortable, and Misty said it feels even better.

“It’s just knowing that somewhere out there someone needs this, and I get to give it to you.”