Never Too Old to Donate Blood - Dottie Brown Donating at 101

For some donors, giving blood is a lifelong commitment. At 101-years-young, Dottie Brown has been donating blood for the past 70 years, and she doesn’t have any plans to stop soon. A whole blood donor at the American Red Cross Santa Ana Blood Donation Center, the staff say Dottie is known for her warm smile and generous spirit. She makes it a point to donate every 56 days, scheduling her next appointment at each visit. “It’s the one thing that I can do to help other people,” says Brown.

With the current national blood shortage, the Red Cross is even more grateful for dedicated donors like Dottie. It’s blood already on the shelves that matters most, and the best way to keep those shelves stocked is to have a consistent amount of donations.

Donating blood is just one way that Dottie is active in her community, and it’s one way that you can be, too. And, as Dottie proves, you’re never too old to donate blood. Whether you’re donating for the first time, 100th time or returning after a long break, you can be a vital part of helping us restock the blood supply so that no patient has to wait on lifesaving care.