WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Local blood donor Linda Hunt has been donating for decades at the Dayton Community Blood Center. Yet she was pleasantly surprised to learn her March 22 visit marked her 100th lifetime donation milestone.
“I knew I was close,” said Hunt, who began donating in the late 70s. “I would donate at [Wright-Patterson Air Force Base] back when the mobile unit would come out. That’s when I started to give.”
She worked in the computer center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for 34 years and retired in 2011.
Linda is a “universal donor” because she is blood type O negative, which any patient in need can receive. She’s also a CMV-negative donor, meaning she has not been exposed to the cytomegalovirus. Hospitals prefer CMV-negative units for children and especially newborns.
“The main thing that drove me to give when I can is my blood being CMV-negative,” she said. “I know it helps babies at Children’s Hospital or people with immune system problems. I probably would have anyway. But I felt this was an even more important reason.”
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, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 800-388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com. For more information, visit www.givingblood.org.
