By: Sophie Kluthe 

Montgomery County resident Kacey D’Amico hit a milestone this year; she’s been donating blood for a decade. Initially inspired by romance, blood donation has become one of the ways she’s given back over the years.  

“I began donating in 2010, when I first started dating my husband. He is an O-negative donor, and has donated over 3 gallons since he began in high school!! When I told him I was also O-negative, he encouraged me to start donating, and it became something that we did together,” D’Amico said.  “An odd sort of date night, going to a blood drive then out for dinner.” 

In 2020, Red Cross blood drive cancellations tripled compared to the year prior — mostly due to COVID-19. The Red Cross relied on new donors, and faithful donors like D’Amico to make appointments to keep up the blood supply.  

“I just had my 3rd son in July, so I wasn’t able to donate until recently. I kept hearing about blood shortages and knew I wanted to donate as soon as possible. I’ve been able to donate twice since then, and have my next appointment already scheduled for January,” D’Amico said. 

As the pandemic continues, blood donations remain essential to ensuring the health of those in the community. That’s why the Red Cross makes sure each blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. 

“I feel safe during the process. I use the Rapid Pass through the Blood Donor app and that makes the check-in process quicker. Plus, everyone wears masks and washes their hands. They are constantly cleaning and wiping down surfaces,” D’Amico said. 

To ensure the health of staff and donors blood collection sites have implemented temperature checks for both staff and donors prior to entering a blood drive or donation center, face masks required for everyone, available hand sanitizer throughout the donation process, and social distancing wherever possible. Donors are urged to schedule an appointment prior to arrival to help with social distancing.  

Someone needs blood every two seconds in the U.S. From trauma victims to cancer patients, to those battling sickle cell disease, patients rely on blood donors every day. One blood donation can help up to three people. It’s this impact that D’Amico says, keeps her coming back time and time again.   

“In 2019, I learned that my donations were prioritized to NICUs because I was negative for CMV, a virus that is dangerous for babies. That was a huge motivation for me, knowing that I could help some of the most vulnerable hospital patients. And even if that changes going forward, no matter where my donation goes, I am able to help someone in need, and that is a wonderful feeling.”  

The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to give blood as we come together to help patients in need. To schedule an appointment to donate, you may use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.