By: Doyle Rader

Thanks to a generous donation from Sarah and Jody Hawn, the American Red Cross North Texas Region has a brand-new Mobile Collections Unit vehicle. The Hawns’ donation will help ensure that the region’s Biomedical Services Team will have the equipment they need in their efforts to support and maintain a healthy blood supply.

“We cannot express our gratitude enough to Sarah and Jody Hawn for their selfless contribution,” said Ariane Einecker, interim CEO, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “Charitable donations like this allow us to better serve the blood supply needs of North Texans and help the Red Cross fulfill its mission to prevent and alleviate suffering.”

The Hawns proudly cut a ceremonial red ribbon, christening the vehicle and received a tour the regional office in Dallas led by Einecker and regional board chair Matt Anderson. During the tour, they learned about the local, regional and national mission of the Red Cross. They also saw first-hand the work that takes place in our in-house biomedical facilities, which they took great interest in.  

“It was a pleasure getting to meet Sarah and Jody and show them around our blood facilities,” said Joshua Drube, Red Cross District Manager of Blood Donor Recruitment in North Texas. “Their enthusiasm for the work we are doing is apparent, and the new Mobile Collections Unit will help us collect and provide lifesaving blood for patients in need.”

Red Cross Mobile Collections Units are a critical part of blood collection and distribution. They transport around 1,200 pounds of needed supplies and equipment for blood drives. They also transport blood from Red Cross blood drives back to our staging site in North Texas.   

From the staging site, volunteers transport the blood to Tulsa, Oklahoma where it is manufactured to be suitable for transfusions.  After testing and preparing the blood, it is loaded into a Mobile Collection Unit and driven back to the hospital services department in Dallas. The hospital services team then distributes the blood to one of the 24 Red Cross hospital partners across Texas.  

The North Texas Region greatly appreciates Sarah and Jody Hawn for their compassion and support of the mission of the Red Cross. The Mobile Collections Unit bearing their names will help service the blood-related needs of the North Texas community for years to come.