Al Barnett has donated his body in blood more than 17 times.
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Al Barnett, at the American Red Cross in Greensburg. That's an information poster on the components of blood hanging on the wall behind him. (Franka Bruns, Post-Gazette) |
As a regular blood donor since 1950, he's rolled up his sleeve 170 times -- giving a total of 21 1/2 gallons.
"It makes you feel good, knowing you're helping people," said Barnett, 74, of Greensburg.
A retired plumber and pipe fitter for Kennametal Inc. in Latrobe, he started giving twice a year when the American Red Cross set up mobile donation sites at the plant. At the time, the donations allowed any Kennametal employee or related family member to get free blood if needed.
When he retired in 1990, he continued to give blood and now volunteers at the Red Cross collection site in Greensburg. With type O blood, his contribution is particularly useful, especially during shortages, because people with all blood types can use it.
He says it gets easier every time he gives. There's not only the psychological fulfillment, but he said he actually feels better and has more energy after he donates, so he looks forward to it six times a year.
But he acknowledges that getting people to donate is getting more and more challenging. When working with businesses, you've got to have an advocate, someone who will motivate others to give.
"You can't just say I'm going to have a blood drive there. You have to get people to beat the bush."
Barnett first gave when serving in the Army Air Corps at the close of World War II. "Then you didn't have a choice. They told you to do it."
But he's glad he got into the habit. His wife gives, too, when she's able; his children have donated as well.
At 5 feet, 10 inches and 190 pounds, Barnett has about 9.5 pints of blood in his body.
"I've lost all the blood I've come with."
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