By Tammy Taylor
While many may hesitate to give blood, Vinton Smith of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has committed to this lifesaving act with unwavering dedication. Over the past 37 years, he has donated more than 17 gallons of blood and 78 units of platelets and plasma, culminating in a unique achievement: giving blood in all 50 U.S. states.
Inspired by his parents, Vinton began donating blood while still in high school in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. His first 20 years of donations took place at schools, fire halls, shopping malls, churches and other locations in his local community. In 2008, a new job with Elanco Animal Health required extensive travel, making it difficult for Vinton to keep his regular donation appointments. So, he began donating in the various states where he traveled for business. On June 14, 2025, World Blood Donor Day, Vinton completed his Blood Across America journey by donating in Hawaii.
Vinton Smith smiles after donating blood in Hawaii, his 50th U.S. state, on World Blood Donor Day.
In recognition of this remarkable achievement, Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, presented Vinton with the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania Challenge Coin, a symbol of outstanding service and dedication to the Red Cross mission. Challenge coins have been a military tradition for nearly a century, awarded for outstanding service and excellence in performance of duty.
Vinton’s commitment to blood donation goes far beyond personal achievements. He aims to inspire as many people as possible to give the gift of life.
“One of my most impactful experiences has been hearing stories of individuals who received blood five, 10, or even 20 years ago,” Vinton said. “Some have shared that they survived childbirth thanks to the gift of blood from a donor. Now they are grown up, starting families of their own, and choosing to donate blood themselves.”
He continued, “It's been remarkable to see my children follow in my footsteps and give blood as well. My parents inspired me, and now I have been able to inspire my children.”
Vinton Smith, right, receives the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania Challenge Coin from Regional CEO Jorge Martinez, left, during a chapter meeting in Harrisburg on July 7, 2025.
Vinton’s next goal is to donate platelets in all 50 states – he’s already given in 25. Platelets, often needed by cancer patients, must be transfused within just five days after a donation is made. That’s why there’s a constant – and often critical – need for new and current donors to keep up with hospital demand.
“It’s very normal for people to feel apprehensive,” Vinton noted about the common fears surrounding blood donation. “Many don’t like the thought of what it means to give blood, but I encourage everyone to think about the powerful impact you can have. Giving blood does more than just save someone’s life – it restores wellness in their life that could be lost forever.”
You don’t need to travel across the country to make a lifesaving impact. Whether you're a regular blood donor or considering your first donation, there’s a way for everyone to contribute. Find a blood drive convenient for you by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App and entering your ZIP code. Just one blood donation can help save more than one life.
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