To be clear, I know that I’m not the only one in Sanpete who the “vampires” are pursuing. The “vampires” I’m referring to are the “donor recruitment” people at the Blood Services division of the American Red Cross. These recruiters are persistent, relentless, and actually, very courteous. But, they’re “blood thirsty.”

They call on the phone. They send texts and emails. They mail various solicitations, reminders, and “thank-you” certificates.

I recently received a “UNIVERSAL HERO-” certificate in the mail. It’s a gratitude thing for the four blood donations I made in 2025. (The “dash” behind the “O” in the word “Hero” on the certificate is a designation that my blood type is O negative — the universal donor type.)

In the latest round of Red Cross record-keeping, I’m one donation away from receiving my “5 gallon club pin” — for 40 units donated. I was donating blood though, before those records were being kept.

If all this sounds like boasting, let me tell you — that yes, I’m proud of being a blood donor. But, at the same time, I realize that there are many who have done much more than me.

I’m mainly in it for the Lorna Doone and Oreo cookies, trail mix, and juice boxes at the refreshment table. And, the occasional T-shirt.

Relative to the boasting thing, I’m reminded of the phrase that you hear people say sometimes, “No brag, just fact.” That catchphrase originated in the first episode of the TV show “The Guns of Will Sonnett” which ran in the late 1960s on ABC.

Will Sonnett, played by Walter Brennan, spoke the line, “My son’s an expert with guns … my grandson’s better … and I’m better than both of ’em. No brag, just fact.” The line was used frequently in the series as a warning or to handle confrontations and disputes.

I suspect that you get the idea that I’m a willing blood donor. Even if I complain a little about the “vampires” at the Red Cross. They actually don’t call me very often now. I think they put me on a “give the guy a break” list when it comes to phone calls. (You can request to be put on a “no-call” list.)

Weirdly, there have been conspiracy theories and urban legends that put forth the concept that actual vampires (umm really?) run or are associated with the Red Cross. Of course this has been totally debunked and is fictional.

But, even more weirdly, we don’t have to look far to find people who really sincerely believe totally debunked and fictional… let’s just use the word “stuff.” We live in a kooky and bizarre world. Some of it is “harmless kooky” and some of it is… let’s just say “not helpful.”

The first time I donated blood was when I was 15 or 16 — I don’t remember exactly. I’m not sure if I had my driver’s license yet. Growing up in a farm family, I might have been doing a little “town driving” before I had the official document in my wallet.

Anyway, I was in the kitchen at home alone doing the chore of washing the dishes. The clock radio on the counter was tuned to KSVC – Richfield. The announcer came on the air and reported that there had been a car accident. The hospital had put out a call for type O-negative blood donors. The need was urgent.

I knew I was that blood type. In a class at school we had our blood “typed.” I suppose it was a part of our health education. As I remember, I had a card with my name and blood type on it.

I was a little nervous, but I felt like I needed to answer the call for help. I wiped the suds off my hands and drove to the hospital.

I reported “for duty” and I could see that the medical people there had a decision to make. Here was a kid offering what was needed in the way of blood, but there was no parent available to give consent. Of course this was way before the day of cellphones.

Evidently, the need for the blood trumped the “rules and regulations.” They went ahead with prepping me and drawing my blood. That’s how my blood donor career started. “No brag, just fact.”

Speaking of facts, here’s a few relating to blood donations. Some of them might seem odd or unusual. But, they must be true because I learned them on the internet. Right?

Donating blood would seem to be popular with people who have a sense of civic duty. At the time of the research a few years ago, over 90% of blood donors were registered voters.

About 43,000 pints of blood are used each day in the United States and Canada. About 62% of the American population is eligible to donate blood. Only about 3% of the eligible population donates annually.

In the 1600s. Dr. Richard Lower was doing blood transfusions between dogs. He then did a successful transfusion between a dog and a human. Others used sheep blood. A few years later, cross-species transfusions became considered unsafe.

Avoid, if at all possible, needing a blood transfusion in the summer or around holidays. These are the times when shortages are most likely to exist.

(Like you’re going to decide, “OK everyone, it’s Memorial Day weekend. Let’s remember not to have any car accidents because there may be blood shortages at the hospitals.”)

So, there are a few “fun facts.” Maybe this column has got some of you thinking, “Hmm, maybe I should consider donating blood.” If you’ve never done it before, I know that it can be a bit scary.

I know that it’s true that some people have trypanophobia. (word definition: from the Greek — trypano meaning “piercing” and phobia meaning “fear”) It’s a real thing and causes some people problems with getting vaccinations and having blood draws.

For the past two or three years, the Red Cross phlebotomists who draw the blood for donations have had a little routine. They will frequently say, at the critical “piercing moment” — “now is the time to look away and go to your happy place.” For me, there is usually a brief. somewhat painful “pinch” and then immediately I’m quite comfortable.

Think about joining the blood donor club. Sanpete often has blood drives at churches, schools and other places. Check the Red Cross website. You can download the app and create an account. My last donation was at Snow College on April Fool’s Day. “No brag, just fact.” — Merrill