Community Blood Center (CBC) recently honored Alma resident Craig Miller as he reached a remarkable milestone: his 800th blood donation. Craig made this landmark donation on Friday, January 30th at CBC’s Topeka Donor Center.
Miller began donating in the summer of 1976 and has averaged more than 20 donations per year for the past two decades. Now retired, his dedication began as a friendly competition with colleagues at Schendel Pest Control to see who could donate the most. Today, Miller is a proud member of the CBC donor family and donates every time he is eligible.
Donors like Craig play a vital role in meeting community demands. What started as a simple blood donation has become a lifelong commitment.
“We help our friends, we help our neighbors. We help everybody,” Miller said. “This is giving a piece of yourself to somebody that you’re never going to know who it is or what it is, but it’s a special kind of giving.”
Miller said donating platelets ranks second only to one major moment in his life. “When I was married, we adopted our daughter in Russia, and that is the best thing I ever did,” Miller said. “This is right behind it. This is the best thing I do.” Miller credits CBC staff for their dedication.
“They’re the heroes, because they’re here every day doing this,” he said. “Without them, there’s no blood supply. They’ve got to be here and do it. And they do it out of love.”
He encourages anyone able to donate to try it. “I hope that people will give it a shot. Just give it a shot,” Miller said. “The needle’s not a big deal. It doesn’t take long, and it costs nothing.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit savealifenow.org or call 877-468-6844.
