For the past 11 years, Dairy MAX has partnered with local blood centers during the month of June to host Passion for Pints blood drives. The blood drives are held in conjunction with the celebration of National Dairy Month, but also an important time of year for blood centers as their donations take a slight dip due to schools being closed for summer break.
As part of the blood drives, local dairy farmers will be able to meet with members of the community and share the importance of blood donation as well as their work in farm sustainability, dairy production and environmental stewardship. As a bonus, blood donors will receive giveaway items including a commemorative t-shirt, stress-relief cow squeeze toy, recipe book featuring dairy foods and dairy products for post-blood donation recovery (at select locations).
“My family and I care about the health and well-being of our community and are committed to making an impact,” said Texas dairy farmer Misty Mellema. “We are proud to be part of our community beyond the work we do on the farm to produce dairy foods.”
In 2022 over 200 individual blood drives were hosted across Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico, highlighting dairy farmers' passion to serve their local communities. Over 14,541 total units were donated last year during the Passion for Pints blood drives, which translates into helping the lives of more than 43,000 people. Dairy MAX and our regional blood center partners have combined to host nearly 2,500 blood drives over the last ten years.
“Most of us are aware just how committed our dairy farmers are to serving their communities with wholesome, nutritious dairy milk and dairy foods year-round, but during National Dairy Month we showcase our farmers and the tireless effort they give beyond just providing dairy to their communities,” said John Cass, director of industry image and relations for Dairy MAX. “Hosting blood drives is just another example of the honorable work our farmers do to ensure they make a difference in the lives of those around them.”
The American Red Cross statistics show us that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. The need for blood is constant, and we are thankful our dairy farmers not only understand the importance behind this, but take action in meeting the needs of others.
In addition to serving their communities through the Passion for Pints blood drives, dairy farmers humbly lead as stewards of our environment, protecting our land and animals while providing nourishment to our communities. Dairy MAX is honored to celebrate our farmers during National Dairy Month for their servant leadership through Passion for Pints.
Numerous blood donation stations are participating in Passion for Pints throughout Colorado, New Mexico, western Oklahoma and Texas and will be available for donations through June 30, 2023. Visit the Passion for Pints webpage, choose your state and city to find a participating blood center location nearest you. To learn more about dairy farming and farm family stories, check out the Dairy Up Close docu-series or take a virtual reality dairy farm tour with Dairy Tour 360.
