Saving lives one drop at a time

The Coffee Memorial Blood Center mobile donation bus parked at the JCDC.

Did you know someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds? The red fluid that pumps through us all can save up to three lives with just one blood donation.

Part of the company Our Blood Institute out of Oklahoma, Coffee Memorial Blood Center in Amarillo provides blood to all the major hospitals in the Texas Panhandle region. With such a vast area covered, the need for blood donors is constant.

Four Pantexans are being credited with saving approximately 1,130 lives with the blood donations they have given to Coffee Memorial Blood Center. Monty Schoenhals, Terral Walker, Steve Lasher, and Jeff Roberts are the top four lifetime blood donors at Pantex.

Upon finding out they were among the top donors at the plant, all four Pantexans were surprised to hear the news.

“Honestly, it's surprising with all the folks that give consistently,” said Jeff Roberts, facility operations manager. “However, I'm glad to know I'm helping out someone in need. I've known multiple people that, if it weren't for the blood supply, they'd not be here today. It feels good that I'm truly saving a life.”

All four donors have been giving for more than 20 years each.

“My whole life has been dedicated to helping other people,” said Pantex Fire Prevention Captain Steve Lasher. “When I worked shifts, I would give every single time I was eligible. Every 56 days, I was there giving blood.”

Having the Coffee Memorial mobile bus come to Pantex makes it more convenient for Pantexans to give.

“I don't know if I would stay on my rotation if I had to go to the center because I would have to miss work,” explained Environmental Scientist Monty Schoenhals. “By coming to the site, they get a lot more donors than they would otherwise.”

For Schoenhals, giving has a personal connection.

“We had a son born back in 1984 who needed a lot of blood when he was born,” Schoenhals said. “I have a rare blood type where my blood can be used for newborns. I feel good to be able to contribute to the welfare of people.”

Lasher also has this rare blood type and is proud to know his blood is also able to help newborns.

The idea of a needle being stuck in your arm with blood being pumped out can make some people nervous and hesitant to donate. All four Pantexans encourage first-time donors to just give it a chance.

“The staff at Coffee Memorial are highly trained and right there with you the whole time,” said Terral Walker, high explosives manufacturing engineering tech. “You've got this!”

Contributing to the larger community, such as giving blood, is part of being a Pantex Citizen.

“Pantexans are always up for volunteering their time,” Roberts said. “Individually, our lives get busy so Pantex orchestrating opportunities makes it easier to find instances to help out.”

For information about Coffee Memorial Blood Center or to set up an appointment to give, visit their website: https://ourbloodinstitues.org/where/donor-centers/coffee-memorial-blood-center/