The American Red Cross Serving Big Country welcomed the fall season with a blood drive on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. The drive was Wichita Falls first in its chapter office in four years. This drive like many across the nation were held to help off-set the lost blood collection from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

"Thank you to the Wichita Falls community who rolled up their sleeves today to donate blood for those who need this lifesaving gift. We continue to call on the community, and they answer," said Kara Nickens, executive director of the Red Cross Texas Big Country Chapter.

Lance Hargis answered the call to donate blood after seeing the impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene on the blood supply. Hargis discovered his iron was a little elevated and took it as a sign to keep coming back to “thin out my blood a little,” he said with a chuckle.

“I came in to help but am returning because of the team. They take care of you, and the donation doesn’t hurt. If you can donate, you should.”

Zach Trujillo is stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base and has been a Wichita Falls resident for six years.

“Seeing all the devastation from the recent hurricanes, I felt led to come out and donate.”

Trujillo has been donating blood for 10 years. After reading an article about the need for blood, he understood the importance of donating and sharing a human gift with those who need it. Trujillo has seen firsthand the impact of a blood donation through the transfusions his father and other family members have received in the past.

“It was awesome to see them get what they needed, and this is now my way of giving back to others.”
Trujillo came into the Wichita Falls chapter office as a B negative blood donor to make a power red donation for the first time.

“I read online that the Red Cross needed power red donors, and I’m happy to be a part of that.”

Wisconsin native Michaela Suski has been donating since she was 17. Her first donation was at a blood drive at her high school. What was used as an excuse to skip class turned into a dedication to sharing her rare blood type with those who need it. As an O negative blood donor, Suski donated as much as she could.

Suski moved to Wichita Falls in January and has been searching for open blood drives near her.

“I saw the blood drive on the news and had to make an appointment. I’m excited to be able to give again.”

You can schedule a blood donation appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).