YMCA employee and American Red Cross blood donor Julie Wright is an unwavering force for good. The North Texas resident recently celebrated 35 years of donating blood with the American Red Cross. Wright has type B negative blood, a rare and especially needed blood type. Only 2% of blood donors share her blood type. 

Patients with B-negative blood can only receive blood transfusions from other B-negative donors or type O-negative donors (universal donors). Since both types are rare, the Red Cross works hard to ensure sufficient supplies are always available. 

Recognizing the high demand for her blood, Wright willingly began a lifelong journey as a Red Cross blood donor, donating every twelve weeks. For Julie, this routine is a commitment to saving lives and helping the community.

"It's about us coming together to help each other," Wright said. "There is so much meanness out there. Let's do the things we can to help each other. Let's help save lives."

With over three decades of blood donation experience, Wright serves as a guiding voice for aspiring donors. She's quick to address common concerns and dispel people's fears about donating blood.

"If you are afraid of needles or the poke, it doesn't hurt, and the Red Cross Phlebotomists are very proficient," she said.

Wright is proud of the profound impact blood donations can have, as she knows her donations are helping new moms, premature babies, cancer patients and accident victims access safe, lifesaving blood. Her advocacy extends beyond her acts of kindness, resonating as a call to action for individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

"It's about community building and helping people," Wright said.

Join Wright and countless others in the pursuit of making a positive change, one blood donation at a time. Visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more about how you can contribute to a community of compassion and lifesaving impact.