Representative Edwards makes his 800th blood donation; one of five in state to reach 100 gallon mark

State House — House Majority Whip John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) has made his 800th blood donation to the Rhode Island Blood Center.
He rolls up his sleeve every two weeks giving platelets, which are especially needed for people fighting cancer. Some platelet donors can give a triple donation every two weeks, and Representative Edwards is one of them. He’s been donating blood since 1999, making his first platelet donation in 2005, according to the Rhode Island Blood Center.

“Of all the achievements in my life, I take special pride in this one, because I know how much it’s needed, and how many people can be saved,” said Representative Edwards. “Every time you give a pint of blood, you walk out of the donor center knowing that you may very well have saved somebody’s life. There’s not much that compares with that.”

Representative Edwards is one of only five Rhode Island donors who have reached the 100 gallon milestone.

“Jay, it’s hard to find words to express our gratitude for your unwavering dedication to saving lives, not to mention your passionate advocacy for blood donation,” the Rhode Island Blood Center wrote in a Facebook post. “We are simply in awe of the way you show up to help someone else in Rhode Island and beyond with a smile on your face every time.”

To make an appointment to donate blood or platelets at the Providence, Warwick, South County, Woonsocket, Westerly, or Aquidneck Island Donor Centers, call (800) 283-8385 or visit www.ribc.org.