Pantex recognized for lifesaving contributions with two awards from Coffee Memorial Blood Center

Pantex Occupational Health Services General Administrative Specialist Sandra with the two awards Pantex received from Coffee Memorial Blood Center.

Imagine saving a life with just a few moments of your time. Donating blood is not just a selfless act but also a gift of hope. In a world where every drop counts, rolling up your sleeve to give could be the reason someone gets a second chance.

Pantex has received two awards from Coffee Memorial Blood Center, recognizing its significant role in helping save lives through blood donations. The awards honor the dedication of Pantexans who have consistently contributed to the center’s mission of providing essential blood supplies to 31 counties in the region.

Pantex earned the #1 Lifesaving Partner Award, collecting an impressive 660 donations in a single fiscal year. This achievement earned the plant top honors, securing the number one spot in the Top Ten Business Partners.

Pantex Occupational Health Services General Administrative Specialist Sandra Lightfoot said, “I didn’t even know it was a competition, but it’s one of those things where whoever has the most donations wins.”

Other awards were given out to top 10 high schools, community health centers, hospitals, and churches.

Pantex hosts a bloodmobile on-site, offering employees the opportunity to donate blood every two weeks. Since the bloodmobile began visiting the plant in 2002, the relationship has become a vital part of the center’s operations.

Misti Newsom, director of recruitment and events at Coffee Memorial Blood Center said, “Pantex takes a huge burden off of us with the reliability of being able to come every two weeks.” She continued, “We know and trust that we will be able to collect a minimum of 20 donations while at Pantex, and we’ve even had several blood drives where we left with more than we expected. It’s such a blessing.”

An individual can give blood every 56 days. In addition to regular whole blood donation, Coffee Memorial Blood Center offers the option of a collection process that collects a concentrated amount of red blood cells are then separated from the blood. The other blood components are returned to the donor.

“This type of donation especially helps those with sickle cell anemia or those with a high amount of blood loss.” Lightfoot said. “This type of donor needs to advise they want to do this ahead of time as it is a longer process.”

Lightfoot explained that when urgent needs arise, she sends out emails to encourage additional donations. “Our Pantex community really wants to do their part in helping out. That’s what really brings it home.”

Blood donations have a profound impact, with just one unit of blood capable of saving up to three lives.

“We have to collect 125 units a day to take care of our area patients,” Newsom explained. “Pantex is an invaluable partner in helping us meet this demand. The donors at Pantex are truly altruistic, and we can never thank them enough.”

The awards received from Coffee Memorial Blood Center are a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of the Pantex community.

“All kudos need to go to the Pantexans who donate, even if they donated just once,” Lightfoot said.

For those considering donating blood for the first time, Newsom shared a few tips to make the experience as comfortable as possible. “Be sure to eat well the day of your donation and drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your donation,” she advised. “Also, don’t look at the needle — just look at your phone or something else. Flexing your glutes and thighs can also help the blood flow during donation. And the most important thing is that you’re saving someone’s life!”

Pantex’s partnership with Coffee Memorial Blood Center is one way the site gives back to the Texas Panhandle community it calls home. Those employees who participate in giving blood are doing their part in being a “Pantex Citizen.”

If you’re interested in donating blood at a Pantex blood drive, keep an eye on The Zone for announcements on upcoming drive dates and times.