Anchorage resident Walter Henderson, 78, was honored Wednesday by the Blood Bank of Alaska for donating over 20 gallons of blood throughout his lifetime, a contribution officials say has directly impacted the lives of dozens of Alaskans.
Henderson’s commitment to blood donation began in the early 1970s, prompted by a community-wide appeal following a major aviation accident near Anchorage. He has since become a regular donor, consistently meeting eligibility requirements and adhering to donation schedules.
“One donation can be the difference for those suffering from trauma, recovering from surgery or undergoing treatment for cancer or other diseases,” said a representative from the Blood Bank of Alaska. The organization currently faces critical shortages of Type O+ and Type O- blood, particularly in Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Kenai Peninsula, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
Donating blood requires meeting specific criteria. Currently, donors must weigh at least 113 pounds, and those aged 16 or 17 require signed parental consent. All donors are required to present photo identification with a birthday or social security number for processing paperwork, as mandated by the FDA. Prior to donation, individuals are asked to eat well and drink plenty of water to increase the chances of a successful donation.
The entire donation process, including registration, medical screening, and the donation itself, takes approximately one hour to complete. Donors are encouraged to relax during the process and enjoy refreshments afterward to prevent any post-donation side effects. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, with platelets accepted every 7 days and plasma every 4 weeks.
The Blood Bank of Alaska is actively seeking donors and hosts regular mobile blood drives throughout the state. Individuals interested in donating can schedule an appointment by calling 222-5630 or visiting the organization’s website to find a donation center or mobile drive location. Upcoming events, such as the Anchorage Pirate Fest supporting the Blood Bank of Alaska, are also listed on their website.
As of February 11, 2026, approximately 2% of Alaskans donate blood annually, while 1 in 7 hospital patients require a blood transfusion. The Blood Bank of Alaska continues to emphasize the critical necessitate for consistent blood donations to meet the demands of Alaskan patients.
