Roy Dennis of Oneida County recently recorded his 100th and 101st donations with a Power Red donation! During Power Red, donors give a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care. It uses an automated process that separates red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns plasma and platelets to the donor.

Roy met with local Biomedical Services Account Manager Billy Brill to talk about his history of blood donation and to receive a plaque commemorating the milestone.

Roy started donating blood at the urging of his father about 50 years ago. He impressed upon him the valuable nature of having Type O negative blood and Roy has been committed to regular donations ever since. O negative blood can be used in transfusions for any blood type.  Roy’s commitment to doing the best possible with his donations has inspired him to find new donation sites when his previous locations didn’t offer the Power Red option.

Roy appreciates the many incentives that he’s received over the years. He is known among his friends as “Blood Man” because of the Red Cross swag he proudly wears.

Roy takes any opportunity he can to promote blood donation and gets excited when he finds another Type O Negative. “I tell them that our blood type can help everyone, but we can only be helped by each other,” as he encourages them to find a local blood drive. The Eastern New York Region is incredibly proud of Roy’s dedication and grateful for how he has been able to positively impact so many lives!

No matter your blood type, you’re somebody’s type! Create holiday cheer. Give blood.

Learn more about becoming a blood donor at redcrossblood.org