DAYTON, Ohio – Huber Heights donor William “Wes” Westmoreland uncorked 2023 by making his 50th lifetime blood donation Jan. 2 at the Dayton Community Blood Center and leading the way as the first CBC blood donor of the New Year.
CBC was closed on New Year’s Day and Wes arrived early Monday morning to make a triple platelet donation. He didn’t expect to be the year’s first donor.
“I did not,” said Wes. “This was my plan, to get a nice 7 in the morning platelet donation and be off to the races, if you will. It’s a triple, so that’s why I wanted to come early since it does take a while.”
Wes has been donating platelets since 2010 and made eight donations in 2022. He was a blood donor prior to his 50 donations with CBC. “I’ve been donating for years,” he said. “I started donating when I was in the Army.”
He’s been a USPS mail carrier for the North Dayton post office since 2005, and another milestone is ahead in 2023. “I’m thinking of retiring this year!” said Wes.
Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at the Dayton CBC and mobile blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more depending on your height), and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions can email canidonate@cbccts.org or call (937) 461-3220. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.
Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services® is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Community Blood Center provides blood products to partner hospitals and health centers within its 15-county service area of western Ohio and eastern Indiana and to select hospitals and blood centers outside the region. For more information visit www.givingblood.org.